Memoirist's Online Book Tour Introduces Self-Help Book

Unfinished
By Suzanne Gravelle

Category: Memoir, Self Help, Motivation

Publisher: TRUMEDIA

ISBN-10: 192700506X

ISBN-13:978-1927005064
Available at Amazon

The greatest lessons we learn are while trying to find ourselves

Author Suzanne Gravelle has announced the release of UnFinished on November 1^st, 2011. The paperback edition is the empowering first novel based on Gravelle’s discovery of life beyond the safe, comfortable, predictable world she had lived in.

“Unfinished" inspires readers to break free and create their own adventures, discover new ways to empower themselves, face their fears and find personal freedom in ways both big and small.

After enjoying a successful and rewarding life as mother and career woman for over 30 years, Suzanne Gravelle found herself at what appeared like,….suddenly turning 50, and at a crossroads: Single with grown children and unsure of her future, Suzanne did what many dream of but never do -- she simply left everything behind, went off the grid and on to an incredible journey into the great unknown.

She knew she had become exhausted, physically depressed but she refused to believe she was mentally depressed, but she finds herself mentally and physically detaching from friends, family and her daily life. So, she gave up her comfortable home and career for both outward and inner self-exploration, to just drive from the furthest point East in Canada, with no destination in mind, to wherever the winding roads would lead until she was ready to stop driving.

Suzanne’s desire for freedom motivated her: “I found myself wanting space… wide open space… and not just an afternoon drive out to the country. So, on May 29^th, 2010 I drove away from everything that was safe. After my youngest child came bounding down the stairs, suitcase in hand, rummaged through my fridge, proudly proclaiming he was moving out! That to me was a sign, it was my cue to take advantage of my adventurous gypsy mind, my warrior spirit and move out too! I always said I wanted a smaller home when my children moved out, but my truck….a little smaller than anticipated.”

“After 30 years of raising children, 98% of that as a single parent, I love my children but they are adults and are living their own lives and I was done! I was done with property tax, grass to cut, power bills, grocery shopping, etc., so I packed it all in, sold my beautiful home on five acres, resigned from a career I thought I would do for the rest of my life, kissed my children and friends good bye and not having a partner to consider, I just drove away.”

"There is death, birth, blissful moments, moments where I am almost killed, moments I did not want to wake up and cursed the light when I did, and fantastic people and places I have spent time and of course it has the pre-requisite heart break. It is emotional in many ways and hopefully inspiring. 16 months and 60,000 kilometers later, this is my story.”

About Unfinished

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. (To order your copy – http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X )

About Suzanne Gravelle

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/

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Book Tour in Time to Buy Gift for Children on Your List

Bilbo's Adventures: A Christmas Wish
By Cheri and Peter John Lucking. 
Available now just in paperback and for kindle!
Web site: http://bilbosadventure.com/

Tomorrow is a Christmas gift buying extravganze for Cheri and Peter Lucking's  Bilbo's Adventures: A Christmas Wish.  It's the young readers version of the original book INDIE Excellence Award Winning Holiday Book and Literature Classics Seal of Approval: Santa & the Little Teddy Bear. Bilbo's Adventures: A Christmas Wish. Like the first version is has deep, rich colors, rhyming words, and lovely story!!! This book will light up the children's holidays. The writing style is much like the classics of Dr. Seuss.

"Back at the castle at the top of the world,
More presents were being wrapped and the candy swirled"
(First line from the book)

Bilbo The Little Teddy Bear's only wish, is to be a special Christmas present for someone. So much happens on his journey with Santa.  

Bilbo's Adventures: A Christmas Wish, Bilbo's Adventures, is a book series that encourages children to read through a magical world of color, set to tales that hop, skip and jump along in rhyme. http://bilbosadventure.com/

Bilbo's Adventures: A Christmas Wish, is the first book in the young readers series. Get ready to be dazzled; Santa's coming by! Soar with Santa and Bilbo, the little teddy bear on a quest to become a, A “Special Christmas Gift,” in this action-packed roller coaster ride. Slip slide and crash in places far beyond Woop Woop and the Black Stump. Hop, skip and bump into strange things on Christmas night. Do the bottom wobbling, leg wiggling, Cancan. Golly gosh you will be gob-smacked as you laugh, sing and dance with the reindeer. Giggle at bunyip’s, scream on a super doper zero G roller coaster ride. Slither through the steamy swamps. Stand dazzled at a million, zillion ritzy lights. See tall ships sail on Halley's Comets' turquoise seas more astonishing than you can imagine. Soar with Bilbo, Santa's little teddy bear, as he lives his wish. Culminating with a surprise that is sure to bring a tear of joy to every child. http://bilbosadventure.com/

A CHRISTMAS WISH! Has the quality of a magical Disney story! http://bit.ly/rCBypi Amazon SPECIAL DEAL TODAY - FREE gifts +bonuses

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Literary Journal Editor Reviews Poetry

Compartments: Poems on Nature, Femininity and Other Realms

By Carol Smallwood 

Paper, $15,

ISBN: 978-1-937-53600-8

146 pp, 6x9

Anaphora Literary Press  

Buy on Amazon

 

If there is one thing that vexes a woman, it is her sewing box. Carol Smallwood is the sorter, a poet who can enter a poem and untangle thread.

 

"The Sewing Box" is only one example of how Carol uses language and listing to empty and separate the compartments of our lives. Paying attention to detail she enters myth and the mundane with the same eye. Echoing in Carol's poem, We Are Told, is "It is Beauty alone that remained in Pandora's Box when she opened it-not Hope as we are told."

 

Both poet and practitioner of this understanding, Carol relocates a spider from a gas station to Queen Anne's lace in her backyard, considers ants and their inherent sense to venture out of their home, takes the risk of comparing the tiny creatures to Lewis and Clark and ventures herself into topics that question our femininity. She pushes back, wags her finger at women concerned with Avon or who have masked their voice as a man, revisits her childhood centering on women's ability to gang up on one another, and enters the house behind the "white picket fence." She flips our trained understanding of violence on women towards an understanding that cancer is just as violent. She never ceases to remind us of the ugliness that pervades society that keeps us from loving our neighbor and even seeps into our relationships with family. In A Need to Know Basis she puts a spotlight on our human instinct to look away.

 

Carol can envy and love what is wild. She can shed light on what is cultivated and domestic where there is rain and gray sky. She does not disappoint and will keep your ear tuned to what is outside your window and what enters.

~Reviewer Dr. Christine Redman-Waldemeyer is founder and editor of Adanna Literary Journal and author of two books of poetry with Muse-Pie Press.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

World War II Fiction Praised by Author/Reviewer

A Spent Bullet: Louisiana 1941

Author: Curt Iles
Publisher: WestBow Books, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4497-2234-0
Author's website: http://www.creekbank.net
Genre: Mainstream Fiction

Reviewed by Jan Rider Newman for The New Book Review

A Spent Bullet: Louisiana 1941, like the eight books preceding it, tells a tale of the Louisiana Piney Woods. This is a section of the state little written about. It isn’t anywhere near the glamorous big city of New Orleans. The Piney Woods borders Texas north of the Louisiana Gulf Coast. It’s called the Piney Woods for the obvious reason.

This area became familiar to lots of Army soldiers in the past and even today. Fort Polk used to be Camp Polk, and in the years leading up to the Second World War, there were other Army camps scattered through Louisiana. In the summer of 1941 many soldiers from all over the U.S. found themselves in Louisiana on maneuvers led by the likes of Eisenhower and Patton.

A Spent Bullet tells the story of Harry Miller, a private from Milwaukee. Harry hates Louisiana—the bugs, the heat, the dust that so quickly turns to impassable mud during the rainy seasons. Harry’s past holds a painful secret involving the death of his sister and alienation from his parents. He’s so bitter, he even thinks he hates Louisiana girls until his buddies play a trick on him and prove him wrong.

One day, Elizabeth Reed, a pretty young school teacher with her own painful past, stands alongside a dusty road waiting for a convoy of soldiers to drive past. In those days soldiers used to write their names, addresses, and "Write to me" on scraps of paper and stuff them into spent cartridges. These were tossed to girls they saw along the roads. One such cartridge lands at Elizabeth’s feet. She ignores it, but her little brother Ben picks it up and takes it to their grandmother. What happens after that is some gentle conniving and serendipity.

Iles has a good ear for dialogue and old-fashioned country sayings. His descriptions evoke not only 1941 Louisiana, but the nation as it spoke and thought and lived at that time. Although his work is based on a lively faith, he isn’t afraid to take on issues such as racial prejudice, alcohol abuse and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. His characters are earthy but spirit-filled. They are generally a pleasure to get to know.

Those readers who enjoy an abundance of local color will revel in A Spent Bullet. I found it a very pleasant and interesting read and enjoyed the development of Elizabeth’s and Harry’s characters and their relationship. I did get impatient with the local color aspect. In my opinion, a little goes a long way. “Every tub sits on its own bottom” got a few too many mentions in A Spent Bullet. But Iles’s books are very popular, so obviously there’s room for disagreement on that point.

I also thought the scene in which Elizabeth discusses her past with Harry fell a little flat. For its time, hers was a big secret. After exploring how Elizabeth dealt with her mistakes and her grief, I’d have liked to see more of Harry’s reaction and how he worked through the news—not that I wanted him to react in any other way than he did. But could he really not struggle even a little?

I recommend this novel of faith, love, forgiveness and redemption, especially to those who also like historical fiction and fiction set during or around the time of World War II. The era, which saw many changes in every way of life, lends itself to drama and soul-searching.

~Reviewer Jan Rider Newman has published short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and book reviews in Louisiana Literature, the New Orleans Review, Oasis Journal, LitStack, and others. She edits Swamp Lily Review: An Online Journal of Louisiana Literature & Arts (http://swamplily.com).

----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Terri Mari Cheers Her Way to YOUR Success

Title: Your Inner Cheerleader Author: Terri Marie
Author's web site link: www.yourinnercheerleader.com
Genre category: Self-help and business strategies
ISBN 978-094347727-5

Blurbs/Endorsements:

The charming Inner Cheerleader in Terri Marie's book will seduce you to success with her heart, her strategies, and her spunk. Let a cheerleader show you how to use potent strategies to create a game in business or life that will support you in being the best "You" that you can be!" ~ Janet Bray Attwood - New York Times Co/author of The Passion Test

Instead of rah rah motivators, “Your Inner Cheerleader” delivers brilliant strategies for creating the best internal friend you’ve ever had. I especially loved the “Magic Moment” that a cheerleader takes before she acts. Terri Marie’s book is easy to read, and clear to follow, but the concepts are beautiful game changers. ~ Catherine Van Dien,(Oxenberg) Award-winning Actress


"Your Inner Cheerleader is well written, clear and easy to understand. It will undoubtedly help harness a person's greatest (and little understood) power of the subconscious mind. Congratulations on a fine piece of work!" ~ Ted Nicholas, The Success Margin
thin the pages of Terri Marie s Cheerleader book is a technique that can blast you into success. Hold on, get ready, you are about to change your whole game. See you in the winner s circle!" --John Assaraf, One Coach

"Terri Marie reveals a way for you to develop, own, and have push-button ready, your own cheerleader. It s a new voice in your head. It s a new you. It s the you that believes in you, your dreams, and your goals. It s your authentic self. It s more akin to your spirit."  ~ Joe Vitale, The Attractor Factor

Reviewed by Kelli

Terri Marie does it again! I loved her first book, and now she follows with "The Inner Cheerleader" which takes your own game to a new inner level with simple but profound techniques to use daily on your journey to your personal dreams. These are proven and practiced techniques Terri Marie has used for herself and coached others to their success.

The Inner Cheerleader shows how we need to not only cheer ourselves on continually and gives specific processes to do that, but how we also need to surround ourselves with other cheerleaders for our game. It tells about the value of alignment and giving ourselves positive energy on our journey. How to believe you can WIN at life and harness the powers within to support your life path.

The book shows that we each have a unique "Life Formula" we can discover and that we need to commit 100 percent to ourselves and gives us the tools to accomplish these goals. I am sending this book to several friends on their own personal journey of discovery and entrepreneurship. I now have notes from this book all around my home for my own journey. Another winner from a great cheerleader herself. Go Terri Marie!!!

~ The author Terri Marie, White Wing Entertainment, is an award-winning producer and author.
Visit http://www.spiritualarena.com and get a "Weekly Motivational Dose" of inspiration and Encouragement so you can tackle all those dreams of yours. Find her on www.facebook.com/pages/Terri-Marie/172305228839.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

A Cancer Experience Turns into a Page-Turner

Title: Getting It Off My Chest, A Journey Through Breast Cancer
Author: Sandra Fikus
Author's website: www.sandrafikuswrites.com
Genre: Autobiography/Health
ISBN: 9781456885052
Reviewer: Matt Joseph
Link: matt@josephlaw.com

Originally reviewed by Matt Joseph at Amazon. Rating: 4.0

You're cruising through life young and healthy, managing a busy and complex family, you have a career, children, are a success and you have a great future. Out of the blue one morning, "I brushed my hand across my chest and felt a lump."

Thus begins the engaging book "Getting It Off My Chest," a past-paced
chronicle of one Canadian woman's experience with Stage II breast cancer and its lingering aftermath. Sandra Fikus lives in Vancouver, B.C., and
seemingly has it all. She has no family history of breast cancer. She's done
all the right things and she's made all the right choices.

Then, discovery of a lump in her breast one day after Christmas in 2007
upends her life forever.

"Getting It Off My Chest" is presented in a diary format. Day-by-day, week
in and week out, the author describes, in often humorous and earthy
language, her immediate shock at first, her formal diagnosis, the vast
support system she depends on, the grinding treatments and her subsequent
healing. While there is perhaps more than we care to know about her family's internal dynamics, we learn much about the biology of cancer. Fikus is deeply grateful for her doctors, but the reader watches her dissatisfaction
with the traditional medical profession grow stronger with each passing day.


As the author recounts her story, there are interesting and important
detours along the way. We learn about nutrition, wellness, spirituality, and
yoga. We come to value second chances, and how surviving a serious illness
allows one to reevaluate the way they live and care for themselves. Fikus
raises many important questions about cancer. The answers to her questions
are beyond the scope of this book - or any book, really.

This was one of those rare reads I simply couldn't put down. A slim 165
pages, I finished "Getting It Off My Chest" during a single cross country
flight. My own family has been devastated by cancer and I could strongly
relate to this story. Fikus's testimony should be read by men as much as by
women. Hers is the voice of our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts,
nieces, cousins and friends. Through the gritty challenges of one breast
cancer patient and survivor, we can perhaps better understand how the women battling cancer in our own lives are doing - what they may be thinking, feeling, and how they are coping.

~Review Matthew Joseph is a lawyer living in San Mateo, CA.  Learn more about him at www.josephlaw.com
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Literary Novel is Sci-Fi, Too

Twin-Bred

Karen A. Wyle

Author's Web site: www.karenawyle.net

Genre: Fiction: Science Fiction

ISBN: 978-1463578916 on CreateSpace,

E-book 978-1-4661-7456-6 on Smashwords

Amazon ASIN of B005VDVHQ2.

Reviewed by R. Lee Holz, originally for Amazon

Twin-Bred is one of the best science fiction novels I've read in decades. It is literary fiction as well as S-F. While the author mentions (and thus pays homage to) Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land and Rebirth, John Wyndham's 1955 classic, Twin-Bred is anything but derivative. To the contrary, it is one of the most original stories I've ever read, not an easy thing given the countless variations on human/alien encounters and relations already published. In addition, the book is beautifully written and riveting. The complex, flawlessly structured, plot evolves logically, but continues to surprise to the very end. There is appropriate dramatic tension throughout. Highly recommended for lovers of both cerebral S-F and literary fiction.

Learn more about the author at www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Help Yourself with the Swiss Cheese Theory of Life

The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life:

Subtitle: How To Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck In Them!
Genre: Nonfiction: Psychology/personal devlopment/self-help

     

 

Each of us has the ability to find within ourself the seeds of resilience to overcome obstacles, rise to life challenges, and convert failures into success. But just how do we do that? The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: How to Get Through Life’s Holes Without Getting Stuck In Them! (PESI, ISBN 0982039891, Softcover $19.99, Self-Help, 247 pp.) will show you how. With both authors having over 30 years each of counseling and wellness speaking experience, this book unlocks loads of practical tips and tools for a happier life.

Using the analogy of Swiss cheese as a metaphor for life itself, this “user-friendly” self-help book serves up practical tips to its readers, using case examples, self-tests, inspirational quotes, mini-lessons, and current psychological research packaged in digestible “bites.” Psychological lessons are distilled and she crystallizes findings from many prominent experts in the self- help field.

The underlying analogy of this whimsical yet informative book is based on the concept that life is not smooth and predictable like American or Cream Cheese. Life has holes, and it’s how you get through them that counts! Instead of wishing the holes away in our lives, the book’s ten self-help slices show readers how to get through life’s pitfalls without getting stuck in them! In fact, it is the holes in our lives that give us character and make our life rich in meaning, just as the larger the holes in the Swiss, the sweeter the taste of the cheese. Thus, we need holes in our lives to become who we are, and this book shows us the way to navigate them successfully!

This book makes an ideal book club book for women who enjoy self development and sharing with other women about issues that are important to them.

Empowering people to transform negativity into optimism and turning obstacles into opportunities for growth underlie the books mission. On the Swiss Cheese Theory web site we pose The Swiss Cheese Challenge to our viewers:

-Are you trying to make changes in your life, yet you find yourself digging deeper into a hole?

-Do you know better but can t seem to get out from under your unhealthy patterns or habits?

-Do you often have why does this happen to me thinking?

-Are you looking for happiness in all the wrong places?

-Are you ready to make healthy changes in your life ... physically, emotionally, spiritually?

If you answered yes to any of these questions help is here!

And whatever you do, don’t forget to “SMILE AND SAY CHEESE!”

Below are what some of the expert reviewers say:

An engagingly fun 'cookbook' of recipes for self-discovery. Tips, tests, tool-kits, and clever insights make for a practical handbook for harnessing your emotions and fulfilling your life-goals. --Neal Roese, Ph.D., Northwestern University, author of If Only: How To Turn Regret Into Opportunity

This book shows you how to take complete control of your thoughts and emotions, and live a wonderful life! --Brian Tracy, International Motivational Speaker and author of No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline

We often struggle to make sense of the bad hand that life sometimes deals us. The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life offers a simple, refreshing approach to helping us reshuffle the deck' and tap into that inner resilience that we need to achieve a more fruitful existence. --Frank M. Dattilio, Ph.D., ABPP, Harvard Medical School, author and editor of 18 professional books

"Even if you are lactose intolerant 'The Swiss Cheese Theory of life', will offer you some really valuable advice to help you get through difficult times and live life in a balanced way." - Sophie Keller, Happiness Expert and Author of 'How Happy is' book series.

“Smart, concise and clever, The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life offers brief therapy for dealing with disappointment, loss and leftovers from a dysfunctional childhood.”
- Jane Adams, Ph.D., Author of Boundary Issues and I’m Still Your Mother

~ Co-Authors Judy Belmont and Lora Shor are both psychotherapists, each with over 30 years of experience. They are professional speakers on issues relating to Resiliency and Wellness, and are both members of the National Speakers Association. They offer wellness presentations and trainings to a variety of corporations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. They also speak on a variety of wellness topics for organization and association conferences. Visit their web sites at www.theswisscheesetheoryoflife.com or contact them at info@theswisscheesetheoryoflife.com

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Goodreads Reviewer Recommends New Mystery

Willowtree A Bruce DelReno Mystery

by Mike Bove
Author's Web site: http://www.mikebove.weebly.com
Genre: fiction, mystery
ISBN: 9781463720032

Reviewed by Pauline Tilbe, originally for goodreads.com

This was an enjoyable read. Mike Bove's first book, and the story behind the story is almost as good as the book itself.

I'll let you learn the details about Mike on your own, I'm here to review Willowtree.

Set in a small Arizona town, Bruce stumbles upon some bones. I know, you're thinking, dead person from long ago..nope, dead animal bones. It's AFTER he finds the bones that the real mystery starts. Bruce is retired and his wife is working a lot of hours, so he keeps himself busy and his mind sharp by helping the police, sort of..when he's not playing golf or giving gratis golf lessons to his friends.

It's an interesting cast of characters and the story is told by Bruce. It reads just like a narrative conversation you would imagine having over a cup of coffee, if Bruce was telling you the story in person. I don't think you need to know a lot about golf to read this, but if you know anything about golf, you will find this book quite interesting and "get" some of the underlying humor. I can't play golf worth a lick but I still "got" it.

It kept my attention. It's suitable for all adults and young readers also. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the next Bruce DelReno adventure.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Twenty-Five Heroes for Young Adults

Title: They Stood Alone!: 25 Men and WomenWho Made a Difference

Author: Sandra McLeod Humphrey
Author's Website: http://www.kidscandoit.com
Genre/Category: M-G/YA Nonfiction
ISBN: 9781616144852

Reviewed by Grady Harp, Amazon Top 10 Reviewer

Originally for Amazon. Rating: 5 Stars

 

Hats off to Sandra McLeod Humphrey for synthesizing the lives of famous people in a book that can be enjoyed and stimulate the minds of her intended audience of 9 to 12 year olds. In her introduction she states the reasons for her choices of role models: 'They were people of vision who saw life form a different or a new perspective; they were pioneers of a sort who were willing to question the conventional wisdom of their time; they had the courage to step out away from the crowd and take a risk; they believed in themselves and pursued their dreams i spite of societal opposition; and their revolutionary breakthroughs changed their world and ours.'

What follows is a series of minibiographies of 25 men and women who fill the qualifications Humphrey has established. Each biography begins with a photograph (or other image) of the person, a quote form them, and then the information begins with 'Imagine this:' and what follows is a brief setting of the background of the person presented and a superb brief description of the discovery or change that person made for the world. All of this is offered in a very readable and erudite manner, fit not only for younger readers but for any reader at all!

The people she discusses are Christopher Columbus, Leonardo da Vinci, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Henry David Thoreau, Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Elizabeth Blackwell, Nikola Testa, Booker T. Washington, Marie Curie, Mahatma Gandhi, Orville Wright, Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Margaret Mead, Marian Anderson, Margaret Bourke-White, Rachel Carson, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Neil Armstrong. And after this excellent survey of just some of the important minds of our history and our time Humphrey address the reader with the challenge to believe in yourself and to overcome obstacles to follow your dream. Included at the end of the book is an excellent bibliography - surely a fine resource for all teachers - and a source of her notes. And as a final gesture she has re-printed the Robert Frost poem 'The Road Not Taken.' This is a terrific book, as strong a 'behavior modification' substitute for aimless youngsters who think they have nothing to offer the world as anything published. Parents may want to borrow this book to refresh their memories about the Heroes lives, too.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Children's Christmas Book in Time for Giving

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear
By Cheri & Peter John Lucking
Fiction: Children's/Holiday 

"This is the most beautiful Children's Christmas Book I've seen personally in years!" ~ Stacy Sanders/Sales Manager Borders Books, Colorado
"The artwork is a Magical Kingdom of Vibrant Color, a must see. Original art now
showing at the Kirkland Museum!" ~ Hugh Grant, Director/Curator Kirkland Museum

This 2011 Indie Excellence Award Winning book is intended to be brought out at Christmas time year after year; creating a holiday tradition. Sing carols, each chapter is a bedtime story, delight in the incredible artwork. Peter, the Indie Excellence award winning author and illustrator, has personally experienced each place in the book, (except the North Pole of course). Yes there is even a place called "Last Banana", where the author actually lived as a child. The story leads us through a magical kingdom of color. Carols and traditions are interwoven into Santa and Bilbo's adventure, revealing the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

Teachers will enjoy this book in the classroom. The book contains many opportunities to read, sing and interact with kids. Santa and Bilbo travel the world visiting strange and wonderful places on Christmas night. This book is an excellent tool for building vocabulary, the author is a wordsmith. If you love the English language and the spirit of Christmas this is a book that all the class and teachers will enjoy.

Peter's wife Cheri is an inspiration for his writing, painting and illustrating. Together, their wish is to touch the lives of many children through their generous donations from the proceeds of sales from this book.http://youtu.be/dcqvOOe7tSQ

~Submitted by Denise Cassino, publicist and book marketing specialist:
skype: denise.cassino
www.wizardlywebdesigns.com
www.spiritoftheseasoncatalog.com
www.mybestsellerlaunch.com
Follow me on Twitter @DeniseCassino
Friend me on Facebook Denise.Cassino

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Geri Spieler Calls Self-Help a "Surprisingly Important Book"

Saving Civility: 52 Ways to Tame Rude, Crude, and Attitude for a Polite Planet
Publisher: Skylight Paths
Author: Sarah Hacala
Author's Web site: www.savingcivility.com

Self-help/Personal growth

ISBN: 978-1-59473-314-7

Reviewed Geri Spieler originally for the New York Journal of Books

When did civility become old fashioned, irrelevant, and archaic? Why are good manners considered unnecessary for survival in today’s social milieu?
As a society, being polite to one another was considered good form, sophisticated, even elegant. Yet, somewhere in the 1960s evolved a pushback to what was considered oppressive by the establishment; it equated etiquette with tyranny. It became fashionable to use bad language, disregard another’s sensibilities, and brandish blatant disgust for anything civil.
 
Oh, to enjoy a civil discourse once again.

The notion that civility, politeness, and consideration for another’s comfort were disingenuous swept the nation at a time when values were under scrutiny and our nation was at war with itself. The Free Speech Movement, the Vietnam War, and a U.S. president, Richard Nixon, who resigned from office—all took their toll on society. The populace was angry and so went anything “establishment,” including polite, thoughtful, and generous treatment of others.

Yet the presence of civility can tame even the angriest of individuals. When baited with enraged behavior, a calm and courteous response defuses—at some level—the continuation of an inflamed engagement.

So it is that Sara Hacala’s timely book, Saving Civility: 52 Ways to Tame Rude, Crude and Attitude for a Polite Planet, is timely—more necessary now than ever.
This is not a how-to book by any means. It is an easy, well constructed series of chapters dealing with a range of considerations adoptable that apply to our everyday interactions with one another.

Civility is so much more than good manners. Civility allows people to engage in meaningful dialogue, honesty with oneself, and delving into tough subjects with others (think: religion, politics)—all while paying attention to the little things in life that matter.

Who would have thought that simple civility could make such a difference? Moreover, civility can reduce blood pressure and headaches and improve interpersonal relationships—including marriage.

The simple acts of being polite, paying attention to each other’s comfort, and waiting for someone to finish a sentence before jumping into the middle of a conversation actually smooth out the rough edges of day-to-day distress.
On the smallest of actions—that of saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”—Ms. Hacala highlights the difference in how everyday behaviors can reach far further than just the person to whom they are addressed: sort of a pay-it-forward theory of good manners and their effects.

Considerate, polite behavior replicates itself from one recipient to another. The same happens in reverse in terms of rude and inconsiderate actions—plus, rudeness begets resentment in addition to aggressive or otherwise uncomfortable responses. Ms. Hacala makes the point by saying, “In failing to acknowledge an act of generosity with simple gratitude, we are not only telling people that we take them for granted, but also that they mean nothing to us.”

This simple act of paying attention to everyday kindness—or everyday disregard—is not inconsequential. A skill that makes a big difference in the success or failure of negotiation is paying attention to others’ behavior—and acting accordingly.

Journalist Diane Sawyer said, “I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention.”

Ms. Hacala encourages readers to “elevate their social antenna, which, like radar, picks up on the social cues of others.” Sometimes what is not being said is more important than the words spoken aloud.

At the same time, while encouraging listening to others, she logically reaches the conclusion that it is easier to just be nice than otherwise. Niceness has fallen victim to same fate as civility. Niceness is catching, asserts the author, and it makes life so much more pleasant. Nor does it take a lot of effort.

Being nice can pay off in unexpected ways, according to Ms. Hacala. Being nice to everyone encountered at the office could ostensibly result in positive comments to those who can make a difference to your status in the workplace. Treating everyone with the same level of pleasant behavior can turn a bad day around for all the employees. Yes, a smile can make a difference.

Common misconceptions of etiquette are that it is reserved for special occasions or phony behavior by elders. In fact, the definition of etiquette is about “rules that make social interactions and events flow more smoothly,” according to Ms. Hacala.

There are rules of etiquette all around us. In sports, there are rules on the golf course, on the tennis court, or in a yoga studio. There is accepted behavior at weddings, in movie theaters, and at the workplace. Yet most people don’t consider behaviors that occur in these venues—especially those related to sports—as rules of etiquette.

A contributing factor to the decline of civility can be blamed on the anonymity of the Internet. Writers can spew vulgarities and hate from a safe place behind a computer with no threat of personal retaliation. Such isolation contributes to intolerance in the real world.

Unfortunately, those who participate in such behavior are deaf to the call for a civil society.

Ms. Hacala makes an impressive case that civility is a lot more than just good table manners. She covers a wide expanse of topics beyond what most would consider in the realm of rudeness.

Her perspective takes into account paying attention to a tone of voice, being more patient, being less judgmental, liberally using forgiveness, and finally, celebrating life.

This is a surprisingly important book. The call to action to pay attention to how we treat one another should be required reading for our society. It is a reminder that it is so easy to just step back and behave properly and act considerately in a world that has disregarded the simple things—things that make our personal interactions so much more pleasant.

~Reviewer Geri Spieler is the award-winning author of Taking Aim at the President: The Remarkable Story of the Woman Who Shot at Gerald Ford (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009). She is also a member of the National Books Critics Circle.

Blurb:

"This is a surprisingly important book. The call to action should be required reading for everyone in society." ~ Geri Spieler

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Editor Reviews Sci-Fi Adventure

Title: The Chronicles of Han, Journeys of a Psychic

Book 1 Part 1-7, Book 2 Part 8

Author: H Gibson
Web: www.chroniclesofhan.com
Blog: http://letterdash.com/chroniclesofhan
Genre: Fiction: Adventure Science Fiction

Reviewed by R. Gibson, editor of Chronicles of Han

Prepare to become addicted!

I have read 100’s of books, covering all spectrums, but never have I been this captivated. The Chronicles of Han is the story of a young peace officer that has psychic powers, who is then tasked in regaining lost knowledge of science and inter stellar travel to save a planet abused by over exploitation, and in the process expands his gifts.

The book, characters and storyline starts off undemanding and uncomplicated. As the story unfolds, the characters as well as the storyline matures, dragging the reader into the tale, causing you to feel and experience with Han. On occasion I found myself reluctantly having to put down the book so as to put a damper on my emotions, be it sadness or anger. As I progressed with the book I finally figured out why I would become so emotionally involved. It dawned on me that this book reflects a bit of each of us, causing you to identify either with a character or a situation.

As you get more involved with the tale, loads of questions pop up, just to be answered directly or by inference, causing you to think “but I knew that!”.

The down side of the book is that I now find most of my previous books dull and slow-moving.

Can’t wait for the next one.

The books are printed and distributed by the Author. The first two parts of Book 1 are available for free on www.chroniclesofhan.com in PDF and can also be ordered online in downloadable PDF, on CD or hardcopy.

 Topics: Chakra,Energy,healing,Chi,Reiki,Aura,Soul,Spirit,Medium,Teleport,Telepath,Empath,Psychic,Portal,Galactic,Worm hole,Inter-dimensional,Astral projection,Spirit guides,Angel,Angelic realm,Electrum,Parallel worlds,Cosmos,Entity,Astral travel,Akashic record,Ghost,Passed over,Other side,Heaven,Time travel,Hanuman,Past life experiences, Speculative Fiction,Alternate Alternative Realities,Spiritual, Autobiography

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Christian Book Reviews Offers Review of "No Innocent Affair"

Title: No Innocent Affair
By: Edward F. Mrkvicka Jr. with Kelly Helen Mrkvicka
ISBN # 978 -1- 61777-768-4

 

Reviewed by: Christian Book Reviews
10.0 stars on a scale of 10.0 stars
No Innocent Affair by Edward F. Mrkvicka Jr. with Kelly Helen Mrkvicka takes a look at the plague of the 21st century and one of the main contributors to the destruction of the American family-the sin of Adultery. Being a lay minister and a man who has studied the Word for many years, the author, Edward F. Mrkvicka Jr., gives not his opinion, but gives the absolute truth of God’s Word through an extensive categorical list of scripture therefore laying first a biblical foundation. Then by clearly stating first God’s view and comparing it with Society’s view, the author lays bare the truth about adultery and the devastating consequences of adultery, not only to the person who commits the sin, but to others we love in our life who are the innocent victims of this pervasive ripple effect sin that is so prevalent in our society.

Most do no realize the far-reaching consequences of the sin of adultery in their lives, nor the cost and the author makes no mistake that there is no such thing as ‘an innocent affair’. This book is an eye opener for most and highly recommended for anyone either contemplating an adulterous affair or for those who may have been entangled in an adulterous affair. The author shows the way out with some of most practical teachings culminated from the infallible Word of God to bring others out of their sin and into the light of the Lord.

Openly, but lovingly, the author shares the unavoidable, yet dire consequences of adultery and reveals that not only does it affect our lives spiritually and physically, but the sin has a ripple effect that goes on to “… virtually every innocent person in our lives” (p.11). The consequences are so monumental, that no one in their right mind “armed” with the truth of God’s Word would commit adultery, but sadly, the author concedes from a recent survey, “…that over 88 percent of Americans believe adultery is wrong. Yet 77 percent of marriages involve at least one adultery.” This alarming fact in our society today is bringing many to the wide-path of destruction. Quite simply put, it is choosing death over life.

Edward Mrkvicka’s true desire is two-fold, first for all those that may be contemplating adultery to know the absolute truth of God’s Word and the dire consequences and for those that are in an adulterous affair or have been in the past that they would also realize the devastating consequences and that the truth would bring true repentance in their life. Lastly, Mrkvicka’s desire is that all would receive eternal life in Jesus Christ. Again, the author does not give his opinion, but God’s view and His Holy Word. This book offers no excuses, nor apologies, but gives the truth of the Word of God. This book is truly a blessing to the body of Christ and to all who read it.

This subject is not an easy subject to be discussed, nor is it very popular, but with so many on the path to destruction in our society it is a must read for anyone entangled in or contemplating adultery. This fascinating and well-written book exposes the truth and deception in the sin of adultery and brings forth light to the subject. Thankfully, the author ends that there is hope and states, “God can save us” (p.11). For there is one hope, and that one hope is the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Come, read, know the truth and be set free. 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Reviewer Ron Klug Reviews How-To Book for Writers

Write-a-thon: Write your book in 26 days and live to tell about it

By Rochelle Melander

Author's Web site: www.writenowcoach.com

Genre: Writing Reference

ISBN 978-1-5996-3391-6

Available at www.writersdigestshop.com/product/write-a-thon

 

Reviewed by Ron Klug

 

Drawing on her experiences as a writer and writing coach, Melander offers in Write-a-Thon a valuable toolkit for the new writer or practiced writer in need of renewal . Around the idea of a 26-day writing marathon, she provides realistic advice for both fiction and nonfiction projects, guiding the writer through the idea-gathering, preparation, writing and recovery.

 

I wish I had had this book 40 years ago when I started to write for publication. It would have helped me be more productive with less stress. Now it has led me to a new nonfiction book idea that I plan to write in 26 days.

 

Even if you're not thinking of writing a book in 26 days, you'll find in Melander's book inspiration, guidance on craft, writing exercises , and a comprehensive bibliography.

 

~Reviewer Ronald Klug has been a book editor for Harper San Francisco and Ausgburg Fortress and a free-lance writer and editor for 20 years. Author of 20 books including How to Keep a Spiritual Journal and A 40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoefer. Now retired,  he lives in a log cabin where he splits wood, reads, hikes, reads, gardens, reads, canoes, reads. Reach him at ronklug1331@yahoo.com.

----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :