The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Practitioner Describes the Art of Dreaming

Title – The Sorcerer’s Dream: An Initiation into the Sorcerer’s World
Author – Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield
Genre or category - Religion & Spirituality
ISBN – 978-1609101565


About The Sorcerer’s Dream: An Initiation into the Sorcerer’s World

This is the autobiographical story of a young woman bumping into the enigmatic sorcerer Running Deer and her initiation into the sorcerer’s world and mastering conscious dreaming. It takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.

The riveting autobiographical account The Sorcerer’s Dream written by Dreamshield takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and mastering conscious dreaming. This book, following the traditions of Carlos Castaneda and others, gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.

The author describes her initiation into the surrealistic world of dreaming and magic, following the teachings of ‘Man of Knowledge’ Running Deer. In the heart of Amsterdam, a thrilling stride unfolds in obtaining the knowledge of the Second Reality on the way to the ultimate goal: finding the Totality of the Self!

The combination of unusual instructions and experiences within the sorcerer’s world and the level-headedness of a very Dutch woman offers the reader excitement and contemplation on the way to the source of this reality, finding the ultimate self through the experiences and understanding of Dreamshield herself. Up until the last page the reader remains intrigued whether Dreamshield will reach her goal.

Right by the author’s side or facing her stands the character of Running Deer. Sometimes mysterious, then challenging, strict as a guru, or vulnerable as a visitor in a foreign country. However, the precise description of these distinctive steps on the road to her initiation stand like milestones in the landscape of this unique history.

About Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield

Dreamshield (Alysa Braceau) studied social work and is a freelance journalist who writes for newspapers and magazines. She has a healing practice and gives workshops about the Art of Mastering Conscious Dreaming and Dream Healing.

About this first publication she says: "The theme of these passed four-and-a-half years have been the sorcerers tradition. I have carefully recorded my personal experiences which has finally led to this book. Apart from that, writing it has given me great pleasure. The Sorcerer's Dream has become more than a personal account because the interested reader is presented with the technique to learn and practice the North American tradition of the Art of Dreaming (the skill of conscious dreaming) him/herself.

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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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 the widget below:

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Carlton Scott Helps Kids with His Books

Title – Glamour Girl From the Stars
Author – Carlton Scott
Genre or category – children’s book, children’s picture book
ISBN –0-9636652-4-3



About Glamour Girl

“After traveling to and fro across outer space’s unknown, PleeDee discovers her world is similar to our own. When little girls live up to their potential wherever they are, they’ll shine brightly with confidence no matter how near or far.”

Glamour Girl From the Stars is an out of this world rhyming story about a 3 foot tall alien girl named Plee-Dee who borrows her father's flying saucer to visit Earth hoping to enter the Miss Universe Pageant in LA. She visits different cultures around the world realizing she feels good about herself without having to enter pageants. The book intends to teach little girls self esteem. Illustrations in colored pencil and photos from the author.

About Carlton Scott

Carlton Scott has over fifteen years’ clinical experience as a traveling nurse (RN) with a specialty in critical care nursing and a focus on children’s health. He has worked with over 1000 children and teens in both mental health counseling and critical care nursing. Inspired by his desire to cheer up sick children, Scott has authored and illustrated three children’s books that teach kids the lessons of friendship, self-acceptance and adventure. As part of his commitment to supporting children’s health, he donates 50 percent of all profits from his books to children’s hospitals across the country.

Carlton is also the author of Grin’s Message, “On my days off as a lifeguard, I began swimming with dolphins and had found a secluded place where they gathered. I always thought they had a grin on their face,” says Scott.

He is also the author of Little Big Wolf, based on drawings taken from his hiking photos. He published both Grin’s Message and Little Big Wolf in hardcover. He created his newest book, Glamour Girl from the Stars, to foster self acceptance in young girls.

For more information about this virtual book tour, please visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/13/blog-tour-carlton-scotts-glamour-girl-from-the-stars/ Learn more about this author and purchase his books at http://www.carltonsbooks.com/index.html.



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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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 the widget below:

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Well-Known Media Trainer Tells How To Do It

Title – Keeping the Wolves at Bay – Media Training
Author – Jonathan Bernstein

Crisis Management Blog: http://bernsteincrisismanagement.blogspot.com
Genre or category - Business
ISBN – 978-1450582209



About Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Media Training

Anyone who has achieved some degree of success in business, government work, helping run a non-profit organization, or any other field may be interviewed by the news media. This is a rich opportunity to gain positive publicity, but you can also find yourself in a position where you look bad. Jonathan L. Bernstein, president of Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc., has varied professional experiences, including public relations, crisis management, journalism, and covert military intelligence operations. Bernstein is a regular guest commentator and expert source for national media outlets and PR Week described him as one of 22 individuals nationwide "who should be on the speed dial in a crisis."

Joan Stewart, AKA The Publicity Hound, says, "Even if you think you’ll never, ever be interviewed by the media, buy this book and read it cover to cover. It isn’t a substitute for media training. But it will give you the tools and confidence to go head to head–—and possibly even defang—rabid reporters, blood-thirsty bloggers and social networking buffoons who are out to besmirch your good name."

Keeping the Wolves at Bay — Media Training is the definitive “how to” guide for anyone who may have to deal with the media – live, by phone or online – whether they want to or not. It brings readers the best of Jonathan Bernstein’s nearly three decades of crisis management and media training experience, written in a style that’s both entertaining and informative. The material in the book, in various earlier incarnations, passed the test of real crises for many years.

Bernstein takes the readers on a journey that starts “Inside the Minds of Journalists,” moving on to “Getting Ready to be Interviewed” and then segueing to “Media Tactics – Dancing the Dance.” He then provides detailed information on “Media Logistics” for all forms of interviews, and goes on to address some unusual situations – e.g., “Media Training the Untrainable” – in a section called “Special Circumstances.” Finally, he provides readers with bonus materials that they will be able to use, hands-on, right away.

While the author’s focus is on the crisis-related applications of media training, he notes that his clients, have found the teachings to have improved their ability to communicate with many different types of audiences, from town hall meetings to public hearings to investor events and more. His international training experience have demonstrated that the principles espoused in Keeping the Wolves at Bay – Media Training are truly universal.

When you get well known for what you do, the media will want to interview you, which is a good way to get your message out or alternatively, to look really bad. You need to be prepared for interviewers who might tell your story straight — or who might do the opposite. I’ve found that Jonathan Bernstein’s book and training are real-life preparation for whatever can happen, and they’ve helped me get the real stuff out there, and helped keep me out of trouble! ~ Craig Newmark, Founder, craigslist

About Jonathan Bernstein
Bernstein has written an accessible, enjoyable book for anyone who may have to deal with the media, whether face-to-face, by phone, or online. Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Media Training brings readers the best of Bernstein's nearly three decades of crisis management and media training experience, written in a style that's both entertaining and informative.


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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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 the widget below:

Monday, February 22, 2010

Iggy the Iguana Is Back!

Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series
Title – Summer League
Author – Melissa M Williams
Publisher – Long Tale Publishing
Genre – Children’s Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-0-9818054-2-9
Paperback $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-9818054-3-6
Hardback $15.99
190 pages


Reviewed by Author Geri Ahearn

Summer League is the second book in the Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series for boys and girls ages 7 to 11. The characters you love in Iggy the Iguana are all back, gearing up to play ball, even Iggy’s silly little sister! After an exciting school year, Iggy and his friends kick off their summer vacation with some fun in the sun and ... baseball! The summer proves to be full of lessons, eye-openers, and ultimate excitement. Who would have thought you really do grow up over the summer time!



The hero in this delightful children's story is Iggy, who is a loveable nine year old, and the new kid on the block. It's hard enough that Iggy has to deal with his smart, sassy younger sister, but there are other issues that he must also challenge. As Iggy prepares to enter a public school for the first time in his life, not knowing anyone, he realizes that he needs to make lots of friends. Along with trying to prove himself
worthy, he is forced to deal with bullies, and his first childhood crush. Snap Shell, Kit Kat, and Molly all have unique personalities, and are extremely funny. Dragon D tries to act very cool, but does this type of personality fade away, after everyone really gets to know you? Does Iggy have a tough time trying to fit in, and who makes him feel comfortable?

How does Iggy feel about Lizbeth? Does Iggy survive the trials and tribulations of his age group on his journey through elementary school? I highly recommend this wonderful children's book that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Children will be able to relate to the story, and learn from those lessons through a fun, easy, and humorous read. Melissa M. Williams presents everyday issues, along with simple solutions in an interesting story, with adorable characters. This book will encourage children to be considerate and caring, with a positive attitude. The author includes the true value of family and friendship, which is an essential stepping-stone from childhood to adult.

There are serious moments, funny moments, and touching moments. This fun and easy read is recommended for any child who is preparing to enter elementary school, and for children in this age group who are changing schools, after moving to a new location. How does Iggy adapt from an All Lizard School to a public All Animal School? The characters come to life as Iggy and his friends experience their first school year together, issues get resolved, and emotions become heartfelt in this educational, children's adventure. "IGGY THE IGUANA" is as thrilling as Walt Disney's LADY AND THE TRAMP, and as funny as CHICKEN LITTLE.

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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post:

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Ping Li's Program for Making the Universal Law of Attraction Work for You

Awakening: Fulfilling Your Soul's Purpose on Earth
By Ping Li
Publisher: Trafford Publishing; First Edition(August 15, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1425180558
ISBN-13: 978-1425180553

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Ping Li's newest book, Awakening: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Purpose On Earth, is an amazing guidebook to uncovering, exploring, and achieving your higher purpose in life, and the nourishment your soul needs. (And, in the process, achieving all your heart’s other desires!) What Ping Li has laid out in such easy-to follow fashion, is a 22-day process of daily mental exercises, journaling, and meditative journeys. Each day, you explore another aspect of spiritual development together…

As you progress through Li's simple steps, you can feel your spirit lifting, your daily burden lightening, confusion and depression dissipating, and nature’s Universal Laws of Attraction, Giving & Receiving, and Manifestation beginning to work in your favor to create the life you dream of.

You may want to visit Li's Web site, at: www.awakeningbooklaunch.com/bookpromo.html where you’ll find many glowing reports other readers have shared.

Ping’s own story, her transformation, has been both remarkable and inspiring. And the process she followed to turn her life around is precisely what she shares with you now in AWAKENING: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Purpose On Earth.

You may be able to tell that I believe in the principles that Li espouses in her book. They work for me and I believe they will work for everyone who opens their hearts and minds to them.

Book Launch Special

Just in case a 22-day program to put you on the fast track to attracting the best in life isn't enough to encourage you to take this leap, Li's friends and colleagues have banded together to make the official launch of her book a hugely over-the-top success for her AND for you by offering over $7500 in bonus gifts just for buying the book!

Or visit Li's page at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Fulfilling-souls-purpose-earth/dp/1425180558/


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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Julianne Moore Pens the Perfect Book, Perfect Ending


Title: Freckleface Strawberry and Dodgeball Bully
Author: Julianne Moore
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
ISBN 9781599903163
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

When I first heard about this book, my first thought was that freckle-faced kids need a book of their own because of the discrimination that goes around playgrounds. Race is not the whole issue. There is a panoply of physical traits kids can get teased for. Too white. Too fat. Too dark. Too skinny. When I was in high schoold, for heaven's sake, students call one of my friends Blue-Lips Burton.

My second thought was that the issue of bullies in school is finally getting the attention it deserves and this little children's book is perfectly timed.

And the third? It was that this book was probably based on a real-life event suffered by Julianne Moore as a child. Of course, she got the ultimate victory, exquisite, fragile and brilliant Julianne Moore of acting fame.

What I didn't expect was the ending! You will find it a surprise,too. It is perfect. Absolutely perfect.


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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Memoir in Poetry by Prominent Dancer and Author

Title: My Life As a Doll
Author: Elizabeth Kirschner
Genre: Memoir

Synopsis:

My Life as a Doll, is a survivor's tale, a memoir in verse about child abuse, madness and recovery. It is one long poem broken into four sections. The first, Cuckoo, focuses on childhood and the severe violence of a mother brought upon a daughter. The next one, An Itty Bitty Ditty, chronicles a disturbing adolescence and the following is about life in a psych ward as an adult mother and wife. The closing sequence, O Healing Go Deep, details bouts of madness and the profound desire to heal.



About the Author:

Elizabeth Kirschner has published three books of poetry, Twenty Colors, Postal Routes and Slow Risen Among the Smoke Trees all by Carnegie-Mellon University Press. In addition, she has a CD released by Albany Records with her own poetry set to Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe. Now titled The Dichterliebe in Four Seasons, it premiered in Vienna in the fall of 2005, followed by an American debut in Boston featuring soprano Jean Danton accompanied by pianist Thomas Stumpf. She collaborates with many composers and has taught at Boston College since 1990. Kirschner also studies ballet with Boston Ballet.


Author's Websites:

Elizabeth Kirschner’s website: http://www.elizabethkirschner.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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Dog Lovers Alert: You Gotta Meet "Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog"

TITLE: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog
AUTHOR: Barbara Gail Techel
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://www.joyfulpaws.com
GENRE/CATEGORY: Nonfiction - Children's
ISBN #: 978-0-9800052-0-2
NAME OF REVIEWER: Dr. Alicia DiFabio
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: Welcome to My Planet

Reviewed by Dr. Alicia DiFabio for WelcomeToMyPlanet4 blog
So Much More Than A Children's Book: One Small Dog Teaches One Big Lesson About Facing Disability

I read to my children every night. They usually get hooked on one particular book for months. Their newest obsession is a book that I enjoy reading just as much as they enjoy hearing it: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog.

This true story is narrated by a heroine so lovable and relatable to children - a little "wiener dog" named Frankie. Her story is told in her own "voice" through her owner and book's author, Barbara Gail Techel. Frankie is a little dog who is loved dearly and enjoying a happy life until one day a spinal injury leaves her hind legs paralyzed. At this point, the story could become a tragedy; but it doesn't. It shines as a story of love, hope and over- coming challenges.

Frankie's spinal injury necessitates her learning how to use a special doggy wheelchair and her life moves forward just as full and rich as it ever was before. In fact, even richer, because now little Frankie and Barbara enjoy meeting, educating, spreading awareness, acceptance and encouragement to children and adults everywhere who are facing all types of difficult situations. Frankie and Barbara not only get through the challenges life gave them, but use their experience to reach out to the world and help others. The message is not one of "being dealt the cards you are given," but of the joy and empowerment that life gifts to you, even in the most challenging of times.

What I like about this book is that it captures children of all ages and can be used to convey positive messages about disabling conditions. The book's life lesson is so multifaceted that it can meet any child, at any age, where they are in their development. The story, for instance, can be summarized for younger children as they connect with the brightly colored pictures. For older children, you can read the length of the story verbatim, and it is even a perfect book for young readers to enjoy reading aloud on their own.

If you're interested in a visually appealing, inspirational, and educational book for your kids, nieces, nephews, religious group, daycare or school, I highly recommend the multi-award winning Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog as a great learning tool, conversation starter about disabilities, and just a plain, nice enjoyable read for anyone who loves animals.

To learn more about Frankie's amazing life and dedication to raising awareness in the community about disabilities, visit her blog, http://www.joyfulpaws.com.

Buy.

Reviewed by Alicia DiFabio,Welcome To My Planet and New Jersey Moms
http://welcometomyplanet4.blogspot.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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Kathy Stemke Releases Book To Educate with Love


“MOVING THROUGH ALL SEVEN DAYS”
By Kathy Ann Stemke
Publisher: Action Alley Education


Action Alley Education is close to publishing, "Moving Through All Seven Days." This book inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day! The activities at the end of the book are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.

Teachers, parents and kids will love this book for it's fun and colorful rhymes as well as the many great activity suggestions. Teachers will appreciate the resource pages that can be copied and used year after year. The book includes an 18 page action rhyme with colorful illustrations of the seven days of the week. There are 14 pages of activities that will help children learn how to spell the days of the week. Included in these pages are phonics practice activities and a coloring book of the seven days.

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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Be Part of a Movement: Feel the Feng Shui Energy

Title: Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster
Author: Dr. Anna Maria Prezio
Purchase: Find it on Amazon or scroll down and click on the cover on the Amazon image below.

Synopsis:

Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster is part memoir, part guide. It is a result of a life long journey that begins in a tiny village in Italy where Anna Maria experienced her first metaphysical phenomenon. The book is so compelling that I wanted to share it with you:

Part I captures your attention with a ghostly first encounter of an intuitive and vulnerable 6 year old. The culture and experience of the author growing up in a rural and mystical village in Italy where ghostly occurrences and stories were part of every day life sets the stage for what would be a life-long study of the mystical and divine.

Part II describes Feng Shui, like medicine, as both an art and a science. Here, the definitions and different sects of Feng Shui are discussed to provide a backdrop for the connection between environmental balance and the appearance of spirits. Through Feng Shui mastery you will begin to understand the metaphysical and hidden knowledge as it applies to all aspects of our life here on earth. In this book, Dr. Prezio teaches you to create a better and more harmonious environment to uplift your spirit and raise your vibrations. As a result, your spirit is naturally in tune with creation and your divine self.

Part III delves deeper into the correlation between environment and entities with ideas, cures and stories about ghost-busting from Dr. Prezio's direct and extraordinary experiences.

This book promises to intrigue you from cover to cover. You will better understand yourself and the phenomenal world in which you live.

I encourage you to visit this link now and step into the prosperity and serenity you deserve:

http://www.confessionsofafengshuighost-buster.com/BookPromo.html

The inspiring mentors you will meet when you visit the link above want you to have this book so badly that they are willing to FREELY SHARE their very valuable wisdom and knowledge so Confessions of a Feng Shui Ghost-Buster can transform your life and guide you toward your ultimate dreams.




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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Sybil Baker Offers Up Chicklit in "Life Plan"

Title: The Life Plan
Author: Sybil Baker
Genre: Women's Fiction/Chick Lit
ISBN-10: 1934081167
Format: Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Casperian Books LLC (March 1, 2009)

Review by Joanne Hirase-Stacey

I’ve never been to Thailand, but author Sybil Baker made me feel like I was there with Kat Miller.

For Kat, life was all planned out. She is a patent attorney on her way to becoming a partner at Pratt, Simpson & Livingston. She and her husband, Dan, created their Life Plan and five years into their marriage, Kat is certain everything is on schedule. But after Dan loses his job and starts taking yoga classes at the gym, Kat becomes suspicious of his fidelity.

When Dan announces he’s going to Thailand to learn massage techniques, Kat’s best friend Susan, a divorced divorce attorney, and Kat’s mother prod her into going along. Kat finally agrees after she meets Tiffany, a beautiful Asian woman in Dan’s yoga class, who just happens to be going to Thailand as well. Kat wants to save her marriage and make sure the Life Plan stays on track because she is almost 30, and if she has to start over with another man, it will push back all her plans of buying a home and starting a family.

Once in Thailand, Kat tries to be fun and spontaneous, but she really wants to return home to their normal life, and to her mom and Susan who are each experiencing life changing circumstances as well. After Kat hurts her foot, Dan takes off, and Kat meets some interesting characters: Jean Paul, Lucy, and Chad, who take Kat outside of her structured, controlled world.

But Kat desperately wants to find Dan and work out their problems. A series of events leads her to him, and ultimately to realizations about herself and her need to follow the systematic life plan she and Dan created.

Read The Life Plan to find out what happens to Kat and Dan and to their Life Plan.

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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Folkheart Press Releases E-book Stating Everyone Can Write Folktales

Family Folktales, What are yours?
By Karen Pierce Gonzalez
Publisher: Folkheart Press
ISBN 978-0-9822888-0-1

This forty two page e-book takes a look at what family folktales are and offers tips on how to write them.

The flow of this e-book allows the reader to learn while they are becoming a part of the author's life experiences and memories. When I was reading this e-book, Family Folktales, What are yours? I began to remember the experiences I had as a child that I would like to pass on to my child. This simple enjoyable e-book gives tips so the reader can write a folktale of their own the same day the book is read.
Folktales create a fun way to share family memories with others to last a lifetime and beyond.

This review is part of a book blog tour arranged by Key Business Partners, 727-644-1773.

Yesterday, March 25ththe tour stopped atHeidi Richardsconducts her interview with Karen about the book

Tomorrow it will continue at where Claudia Merydrech will review it.



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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Ruth Hartman Shares Struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Title: My Life in Mental Chains: My Struggle With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Author: Ruth Hartman
Published by Pipers’ Ash Ltd., $13.00
Publication Date: November 1, 2008
Non-Fiction, True-Life Story Chapbook
ISBN# 9781906928001
http://www.ruthjhartman.blogspot.com

Reviewed by Joanne Hirase-Stacey

I didn’t know much about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) before I read Ruth Hartman’s true story, My Life in Mental Chains. I’d heard of people who wash their hands over and over, or constantly check appliances to make sure they’re off or unplugged, but had never given their obsession much thought. After reading Ruth’s book, I’ve come to realize that OCD is an illness that consumes its victim and overtakes his or her life.

OCD seems to strike out of nowhere. Ruth led a normal life with her husband, and was a dental hygienist. Then one day, everything changed. While cleaning her dental instruments, her thoughts became obsessive. She couldn’t stop scrubbing. Her job performance began to suffer as she got behind schedule, keeping patients waiting. After her boss and fellow employees confront her, she starts to spin out of control.

She realizes she needs professional help, and despite the stigma and worry of being labeled “crazy”, Ruth bravely meets with her doctor, but doesn’t want anyone besides her husband, to know of her OCD diagnosis. She tries to hide it, to be normal, but the OCD gets worse, and it becomes hard to leave the house.

She eventually tells her family and her husband’s family. To her relief, they embrace her, support her and love her through all her ordeals. Ruth finally takes another job to help pay the bills, only to have her boss tear her down. And someone she thought was her friend abandons her. But she continues with her treatment and faces her OCD head on.

Ruth does a fantastic job of drawing you into her dark world of fear and anxiety. You’ll find yourself saddened by those who mistreat her, and encouraged by those who stand by her. You’ll cheer for her as she fights her way back, through the agonizing steps necessary to become herself again.

This book is a must read for anyone who knows nothing about OCD, as well as those who have first hand experience with OCD either as a patient or a family member or friend. It takes you into the life of one woman and her daily struggle with OCD, and gives you comfort and hope in knowing that OCD is treatable.

Hartman's book may be ordered on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=my+life+in+mental+chains&sprefix=my+life+in+mental Please copy and paste the address.
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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 loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index 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.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The Lowdown on E-mail Marketing and How You've Been Lead Astray

Email Marketing for Complex Sales Cycles
Subtitle: Proven Ways to Produce a Continuous Flow of Prospects and Profits with
Effective, Spam-Free Email Systems
By Winton Churchill
Foreword by Ron Richards, President, ResultsLab
Morgan - James, 2008
ISBN 9781600374210
Nonfiction/Business
Author's Site: www.churchillmethod.com/
Contact Reviewer: HoJoNews@aol.com



Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of three books of fiction and poetry and The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't and The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

Remember when we were advised, "Don't believe everything you read?" That's probably even more true in the Internet age than it was back in the days when I first heard it. That's one of the reasons I was glad to see the release of Email Marketing for Complex Sales Cycles by Winton Churchill.

See, I've always been vaguely aware that people get unnecessarily up in arms about SPAM. I see them let others censor the material they get delivered in their e-mail boxes all in the interest of kill, kill, killing the Dearly Beloved messages. I've seen them give up an old e-mail address to curtail the flow of SPAM, even though they are also giving up all kinds of networking contacts when they do so. I've seen them rant and rave about SPAM that was really only a query from someone who had found them doing a search on Google. I mean, that's why we have websites, so people can find us.

So when a real expert like Churchill tells it like it is, well . . . that is a wonderful, affirming experience for me. Churchill is a master marketer who has been quoted in the likes of The Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. He also happens to know a good deal about e-marketing and he shares what he knows in this helpful marketing book.

Email Marketing is written primarily for big business people with large marketing budgets and big staffs. I would like to have seen Churchill specifically address how little guys might put his method to use on a smaller scale and a lot more frugally. But then I am the author behind the HowToDoItFrugally series of book for writers. With an emphasis on the word frugal.

That doesn't mean this author's methods can't be adapted to small business people, right down to small publishers—even individual authors. I found that many of his theories fit very well into the basics of great PR (things like building relationships rather than use the big four-letter word SELL). And that many of them can be adapted to less ambitious online processes like forging trust and making great contact lists.

It is also comforting to know that in my own marketing I have already been practicing much of what he preaches but on a much, much smaller scale. He almost has me convinced to take a jump into something bigger. But if I don't, I can use some of his techniques to hone the processes I'm already using.

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson is an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers’ Program. She is the author of two award-winning books, This Is the Place and Harkening. Her how-to book for writers, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't, is the winner of USA Book News' Best Professional Book and the Irwin Award. The second in the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, is also a USA Book News award winner and a Reader Views Literary award winner. She won the 2008 New Generation Award for Marketing. Learn more at www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Big Blog Tour for Kim Richards' "Death Mask"

Death Masks
Written by Kimberly Richards
Eternal Press, 2008 www.kim-richards.com


As part of a book tour we're participating in this month, we're reviewing
popular horror author Kim Richard's newest horror/thriller novel Death Mask,
released by Eternal Press.

Reviewed by Heidi Martinuzzi from Pretty Scary.


Someone is killing hot young boys in the local Metro Tonton Park (and it's
not me!). Bill, an unsatisfied computer tech with a lame job and lame
co-workers has one amazing girlfriend in Dixie. Dixie is not only hot, but
she's a salsa dancer who works out and even has hobbies, like pottery. When
Bill witnesses one of the local murders in the park, he suddenly becomes a
suspect as well. Bill has to balance dealing with his own investigation of
the murders with the police (who aren't much help) and with Dixie's
depressive disorder which has mysteriously come on again after being
dormant. It's not an easy time for Bill. Or Dixie.

We also get the killer's perspective in neat little segments so we can get
another point of view on everything that's going on. It fills in some
pieces, especially about the murders, and honestly does nothing to reveal
the identity of the killer. Of course, the killer is... Dah DUHN! It's a
secret. It's a twist, so I can't reveal it. Death Mask follows a traditional
thriller storyline complete with the very-necessary twist to accompany the
clearing of the name of the protagonist. What would a mystery thriller be
without a twist?

Dixie is a very complex character with deep emotional issues that prevent
her from overcoming her awkward depression. Bill's sense of inadequacy keep
him from getting farther along at work or making the most out of his life
with Dixie. It's a case of everyday problems getting in the way of people's
lives. Bill himself is completely unprepared to deal with a seemingly
dangerously intelligent killer who uses some kind of drug to kill their
victims and leaves their bodies in the park to be found by police. Bill
embarks on a near-obsessive path of researching serial-killers, the victims,
and the drug itself to a point that makes him a prime suspect in the eyes of
the police. It also doesn't do anything to improve his situation with Dixie,
who grows worse by the day. Little things that used to cheer her up no
longer move her. She has become increasingly irritable and unpredictable
emotionally.

What's also fascinating is that the people who do keep disappearing seem
somehow related to Bill's life. Like the punk kid who threatens him in line
at the fast food restaurant who later ends up face-down in the mud in the
park, or the mysteriously missing Denny from Bill's work, who was a liar and
an inconsistent friend. No wonder the police suspect Bill... but can he
prove that he's not the killer before someone he loves - someone like Dixie
- ends up dead?

Richard's work is classy and traditional, and lovers of thrillers will enjoy
and appreciate the traditional flow of her story in Death Mask. Importantly,
the imagery of the Death mask itself is used repeatedly in a very simple yet
artistic way throughout the novel; Dixie herself sculpts them in her pottery
workshop, and they appear again in an art gallery showing. The Death Mask,
an image cast of a person's face (often after death) and used in burial or
for a family's memory of that person, is a grim and macabre idea that works
perfectly for a theme as dastardly as gruesome murders in a park.

And yes you have your standard amounts of mental breakdown, dementia, and
murder mystery blood, so the depraved aspects of your soul will find
themselves entertained.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love--and that includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews and reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page.

Monday, March 3, 2008

A Double Whammy! A Special Offer and a New Life from Dr. Joe Capista

Title
What Can a Dentist Teach You about Business, Life and Success? Discover Secrets to Achieving Total Success! Author
Author: Dr. Joe Capista
ISBN-10: 0965815951
ISBN-13: 978-0965815956
Genre: Business/Success/Spiritual

Reviewed by Kathleen Gage, The Street Smarts Marketer


For anyone seeking a refreshing look at success and success principles, What Can a Dentist Teach You about Business, Life and Success? Discover Secrets to Achieving Total Success! is one to add to your personal library.

“You can have anything you want in life if you want it badly enough and are willing to pay the price,” is the opening statement of the book.

With all the success and self-help books available, the last thing we need is another author claiming to have the answers to achieving what you want. The fact is, Dr. Capista doesn’t just talk about success, he lives it. He gives readers an intimate look into the years he struggled in school and grew up in an average blue-collar neighborhood to becoming one of the most successful people in his industry.

What Can a Dentist Teach You about Business, Life and Success? is more than a book about amassing financial wealth. Readers will learn how Dr. Capista combines a pragmatic approach to life as well as a very spiritual approach.

Written in a very relaxed, easy to read style, What Can a Dentist Teach You about Business, Life and Success? will show you how virtually anyone can achieve a life filled with happiness, abundance, joy, love and contribution. achieve your deepest dreams.

Dr. Capista covers everything from career to family and relationships to your relationship with money, to spirituality and finding purpose, to health and well-being. He shares the very strategies he used to build a multi-million dollar business; achieve optimum health, enjoy a loving marriage of over 34 years and live a life that he refers to as Total Success.

This is a must read!

We invite you to take part in a very special promotion that is taking place this week to promote Dr Capista's book. Order you own copy of What Can a Dentist Teach You about Business, Life and Success? within the next 24 hours and receive over $2,551 in bonus gifts from experts around the globe. Go to http://www.joecapista.com/amazon.htm

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coaliition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love--and that includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews and reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page.