The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler

The Shapeshifter's Secret

Author: Heather Ostler

Publisher: Sweetwater Books

Published: June 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110339

Hardcover: 328 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy from the author, then purchased my own copy.

Book Jacket Summary

Sixteen year old Julia is used to dealing with problems.  And like any teenager, she's got lots of them.  But Julia had everything under control until Caleb came along.

As her world starts unraveling around her, Julia's reactions become oddly vicious and angry.  This isn't just a case of teenage rage--something is really wrong.  And that's when Julia finally discovers the truth.

This fast-paced action-adventure story is packed with humor, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very last page.  Get lost in a world of hidden royalty, shifting alliances, and dangerous vendettas.  But don't forget, nothing is what it seems.

My Review

Isn't this cover awesome?  I've seen this book around for awhile, and I have always admired it.  I recently met Heather at Authorpalooza and told her I've always wanted to read her book.  One thing lead to another and here is my review.  I am also in the process of reading book 2 in this series, The Siren's Secret, which comes out in June of this year.  I will get that review up as soon as I can. :)

After some rough days at school, and almost shifting in class, Julia finds out she is a werecat.  And royalty too.  All her life, it has just been her and her father.  Julia has always wanted to know about her mother, but could never bring up the subject with Lancer.  Once Julia knows the truth, she is taken away to her home country of Ossai.  Ossai can only be reached by water portals (cool, huh?).  Even getting to Ossai is dangerous.  Julia is taken to Ossai rather quickly by Caleb, the mysterious new guy in school, who has ties to her royal life.

I really liked this book.  I think Julia is a great character and I liked her father Lancer, too.  I wanted more of Caleb, and I have my doubts about Terrance.  (You will find out who is he later.)  At times, I wanted a little more going on then just her schooling, but important seeds were planted for the plot of the story.  There is a surprise at the end that I was not excepting and I thought it added a lot of mystery to the story.

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Descendant by Nichole Giles -- Blog Tour

Descendant

Author: Nichole Giles

Published: May 1st, 2013

Publisher: Rhemalda

Paperback: 278 pages

ISBN13: 9781936850679

FTC FYI: Received a PDF in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Summary

Seventeen-year-old Abigail Johnson is Gifted.

Blessed—or cursed—with Sight and Healing, Abby lives an unsettled life, moving from place to place and staying one step ahead of the darkness that hunts her. When she arrives in Jackson, Wyoming, she is desperate to maintain the illusion of normalcy, but she is plagued with visions of past lives mixed with frightening glimpses of her future. Then she meets Kye, a mysterious boy who seems so achingly familiar that Abby is drawn to him like he’s a missing piece of her own soul.

Before Abby can discover the reason for her feelings toward Kye, the darkness catches up to her and she is forced to flee again. But this time she’s not just running. She is fighting back with Kye at her side, and it’s not just Abby’s life at stake.

Praise for Descendant

"A hot new spin on paranormal, Descendant is refreshingly imaginative and powerful. I can't decide which was best -- piecing together Abby's sinister past or keeping up with her heartbreaking future. If you like your YA laced with melt-my-heart romance and a good helping of heart-pounding suspense, you'll love this book!" -- Michelle Davidson Argyle, author of The Breakaway

"Nichole Giles has crafted a story that breathes from the pages. Her characters are authentic, the action intense, with powerful emotions that will keep Descendant on your mind long after the book ends. Open your eyes to another facet of our world in Descendant and you'll be sucked into an adventure with Abby and Kye, that will explore the power of gifts, courage, and love. With top-notch writing, Giles has crafted a story that breathes from the pages." --Rachelle J. Christensen, award-winning author of Wrong Number and Caller ID

"Nichole Giles brings a fresh new voice and flawless writing technique to the world of Young Adult fiction. I was swept away to another place and never wanted to come back." --Tristi Pinkston, author of Turning Pages and the Secret Sisters mystery series

"This debut novel delivers in all the right ways, with heart-pounding action and a delicious romance that sweeps centuries. I loved it!" --Elana Johnson, author of Possession and Surrender

My Review

I really enjoyed reading Descendant.  I thought Nichole did a great job of developing her characters and story line.  I liked going on Abby's journey with her.  I was taken into the story quickly, and loved the mystery in the beginning of who Abby is and what she can do.  The flashes that Abby has are a great mix in the story, too.  There was a couple times, however, that I thought the story took an necessary turn, mostly while Abby and Kye were in New York.  I also thought a couple times some events with Abby's mom were too convenient and an important character wasn't introduced until almost the end.  There are some great twists with some other key characters.  A couple I wasn't surprised with, but I was pleased with the results.

4 out of 5 stars.  Descendant is fast-paced clean YA book, that you and your teen will enjoy.

There is a tour wide giveaway for Descendant. Details are here.

Author Info

Nichole Giles was born in Nevada, and moved with her parents to a number of cities in and around the West. Writing is her passion, but she also loves to spend time with her husband and four children, travel to tropical and exotic destinations, drive in the rain with the convertible top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Book Depository / Indie Bound

Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage -- Giveaway

Farworld: Air Keep (Book 3)

Author: J. Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 26th, 2013

Hardcover: 336 pages

ISBN13: 9781609073251

FTC FYI: I received a hardcover copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

It’s been six months since Marcus and Kyja obtained the help of the land and water elementals, but before they can secure the help from the mysterious air elementals, the two friends must first be reunited. A task easier said than done.

Master Therapass is worried that trying to pull Marcus to Farworld would put him in danger of the shadow realm, but if Marcus stays on Earth, he’ll be sent back to the Philo T. Justice School for Boys instead of being able to stay on the protected grounds of the monastery.

While attempting to return to Farworld, Marcus finds himself in the Abyss of Time, facing four doors: the Is, the Was, the Will Be, and the Never Was. What he learns in that dangerous place has the potential to change his life—and Kyja’s. But does he have the courage to tell her what he learned?

And in Farworld, a drought, floods, and blizzards have seized the land, hinting that perhaps there is a traitor in the elementals’ midst. The Dark Circle is growing in power, and as Marcus and Kyja desperately search for the air elementals, they must first answer the question “Is there anyone we can trust?”

My Review

In the past few years, it seemed that I asked always Jeff the same question whenever I saw him.  "When is the next Farworld coming out?"  I'm sure he was getting rather sick of me asking, but as a huge fan of the series, how could you blame me?  Naturally, I was ecstatic when I heard the rest of the series was going to be completed.  Air Keep does not disappoint.  It has the same heart and action as the first two books and I really enjoyed how much the characters care about each other.  It has been 6 months since Kyja and Marcus were together.  Kyja and Master Therapass were trying to find a safe way to get Marcus to Farworld.  It was taking too long for Kyja, so she decides to take matter into her own hands.  As you can guess, things don't go quite as planned.  Something happens to Marcus before Kyja is able to reach him, and he sees something that could change things for both kids.

I loved this book.  It felt like I was visiting old friends.  But, these friends are on a very dangerous journey, while I get to come along with them unscathed.

5 out of 5 stars.  Jeff is the author of many fabulous books.  He has been very busy, and has had three releases in the last six months.  Case File 13: Zombie Kid was released in December of 2012, and Dark Memories in January 2013.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

I am giving away this whole series! Yes, you read that right.  Water Keep, Land Keep and Air Keep!

Books 1 and 2 are paperback, and Air Keep is hardcover.  Fill out the Rafflecopter below.  US ONLY.

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Ephraim's Rescue -- Premiere Giveaway

I was invited to a blogger event last week where I was able to hear the T.C. Christensen (director) and Darin Southam (star) of Ephraim's Rescue talk about this new release from Excel Entertainment.  T.C. Christensen also directed 17 Miracles.

Synopsis

From T.C. Christensen, director of the sensational pioneer film, 17 Miracles, comes the heroic true story of a simple man who was called to do the work of angels. Ephraim’s Rescue relates the story of Ephraim Hanks: a rescuer of the Martin Handcart company.

Follow Ephraim as his adventures lead him to join the LDS Church and ultimately to one of the most heroic rescues in American history. With a unique desire to help andstrengthen others, Ephraim learns that each choice we make can prepare us for what lies ahead. He discovers, through it all, that decisions determine destiny.

Director

T.C. Christensen

Producer/ Writer/ Director

T.C. Christensen is one of the brilliant minds behind the camera when it comes to these family favorites:

17 Miracles (Excel Entertainment); Emma Smith: My Story (Morning Dew); Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration (LDS Church); Testaments (LDS Church); The Work & the Glory (Manchester Pictures); Forever Strong (Go Films); Sea Monsters (National Geographic); Roving Mars (Disney); The Buttercreme Gang(Family Films); Rigoletto (Family Films); The Mouths of Babes (VTA); Finding Faith in Christ (LDS Church); Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story (VTA); Only a Stonecutter (VTA).

T.C. has won over 270 national and international awards for his work in directing and photography. In 2010 he was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers.

Starring

Darin Southam as Ephraim Hanks.

Darin's passion for acting started with a play in his 7th grade drama class and has evolved into a career, with roles that span from indie films, such as Last Man(s) On Earth, to Disney's Halloweentown High, Discovery Channel's I Shouldn't Be Alive, and Fox's 127 Hours. A former student of Playhouse West in North Hollywood (Jeff Goldblum, James Franco, Michelle Pfieffer, etc.)

Darin enjoys the method of digging deep into the characters he portrays. At heart, Darin is a family man with a wife and 3 young children; he hopes his performance as Ephraim Hanks in T.C.'s Ephraim's Rescue will elevate his opportunity to pursue what he truly loves to do - act in film. More info about Darin can be found at darinsoutham.com. Facebook Page.

Links for Ephraim's Rescue

Website / Facebook / Trailer / Trailer 2 / Theater Listings / Paul Cardall Music Video

I am excited to tell you that I have TWO premiere tickets to giveaway.  Contest ends Friday May 17th, at midnight.  The winner will choose which one they can attend.  Please leave a thoughtful comment below with your email.  If no email address is listed, I will pick a new winner.  

Special Screening Choices

Monday, May 20th -- Gateway Salt Lake City 11:00 am
Thursday, May 23rd -- Red Carpet Premiere in Centerville 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 25th -- St. George, Pineview Stadium 3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 28th -- Ogden, The Junction 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 29th -- Logan, University Stadium 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 29th -- Orem, Cinemark 6:30 pm

Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem by Melissa Lemon

Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem

Author: Melissa Lemon

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

Published: December 11th, 2012

ISBN13: 9781462111459

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, then purchased my own copy.

Inside Book Jacket

Katiyana Whyte's world is only as big as the apple orchard she was raised on.  She can never leave the home where she grew up under the careful eye of her uncle Barney.  But when life at the orchard suddenly becomes dangerous and her childhood friend Jeremy begs her to flee, Kat finds refuge in the Fluttering Forest with seven dwarves.

Meanwhile, the queen of Mayhem, an evil sorceress, learns through her magic mirror that the daughter she believed to be dead, still lives.  Enraged, she sends a servant to kill Kat, the princess of Mayhem, but Kat finds protection in a spell that causes snowstorms whenever she is in danger, giving her the nickname Snow Whyte.

In the wonderfully imagined Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem, nobody is quite who they seem.  Full of romance and adventure, this is the magical tale of Snow White as you've never read it.

My Review

4 of out 5 stars.  I was instantly taken with this story.  I loved the narrator (I won't say who he is for spoiler reasons, but you find out early on).  I really enjoyed seeing each character through his eyes.  The Queen was awesomely evil.  She truly was a wicked queen, and written very well.  Queen Radiance (as she made her subjects call her) stole the show.  There are so many twists in this great story, and lots of fun surprises.  Kat is a sweetheart.  I enjoyed how her little dwarf friends loved her , and how she loved them.  Jeremy was an unexpected surprise, and his story is so cool!  Again, many twists that are very enjoyable.

Author Links

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

Lost then Found by Heather B. Moore

Lost then Found: An Aliso Creek Novella

Author: Heather B. Moore 

Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: May 1st, 2013

ebook: 60 pages

FTC FYI: Received a free review copy.

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella series

Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone... if perfect is even possible.

Arie, at the top of her career as VP of an established real estate company, discovers that her success has led to a less-than-successful dating life. But she may have just met the ideal man in work-a-holic film producer, Dustin Jacobs. Seeing each other once a week, or even once a month, is no big deal since they are both ambitious… until Arie realizes she wants much, much more.

My Review

As always with Heather's book, I was immediately taken into the story in Lost then Found.  Arie is an instantly likable character.  I also enjoyed that we were able to get to know Valentina a bit in this book, as well.  Valentina is an ex-girlfriend of Drew's that I have been curious about.  I really like the novellas in this series and I have become a huge fan of short stories.  Arie has a lot happen to her in this "short" story and she handles herself well.  Dustin is a high-powered producer who seems taken with her from the start.  Their relationship hits a few snags at the beginning, and one at the end that I didn't see coming, but enjoyed.  Each of these novellas are unique and are fun, fast reads.  They do not need to be read in order, either.

4 out of 5 stars.  Heather is the author of many fabulous books and short stories.  Read more about her awesomeness here.  The last Aliso Creek novella, One Chance, comes out June 1st, 2013.  Heather is also apart of the Timeless series of short stories.  Summer Weddings came out May 3rd.  Five other authors also contributed:  Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, Melanie Jacobson, Julie Wright, Rachael Renee Anderson.  These are books you don't want to miss.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Beginning of Better Days by Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce

The Beginning of Better Days-Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith

Author: Sheri Dew & Virginia H. Pearce

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: July 30, 2012

ISBN13: 9781606418512

FTC FYI: Review copy

Back cover: How important are women in the restored church of Jesus Christ?  We learn something about the answer to that question from a simple historical fact.  In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith took time to attend several meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and give personal instruction to the women there.  He did this at a time of great personal turmoil, when persecutions were raging and his responsibilities were heavy.  He did it at a time when society barely acknowledged women as having any kind of status at all.  On six separate occasions, he taught the women personally about their privileges, their opportunities, their obligations, and the blessings the Lord had in store for them in his Kingdom.

The Beginning of Better Days includes Joseph Smith's six timeless sermons to the women of Nauvoo, along with personal essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce that helps us better understand the sermons and their relevance for Latter-day Saint women today.  "We have attempted to share a little about our own processes of discovery regarding the sermons," write the authors.  "This is what worked for us.  What works for you may be similar--or it may be completely different.  The important thing is to dig in."

My Review

This book was amazing.  While I enjoyed reading the sermons from the Prophet Joseph, I also took to heart the beautiful essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia Pearce.  What I took most out of it was being more charitable.  Charity is something that I need to work on.  Also, letting people serve me too.  I am very independent, but I know that I can't do it all alone.  A sister in my ward that I visit teach mentioned that she always signs up for things in our Relief Society binder to serve others.  She has Wednesday afternoons off from work, and finds that when she opens her heart to service, she finds slots available for those days so she is able to help.  I really admire that quality in her, and will take her example in my own life.

My favorite quotes came from the last two pages from Sheri Dew.

"By the very nature of what he chose to teach women, Joseph Smith established expectations for every woman who would have the privilege of living in this great, culminating dispensation--the one foreseen by prophets since the beginning of time, the dispensation of the fulness of times. Our dispensation.  And the first expectation is that we learn how to receive the truths, the spiritual gifts, and the privileges the Lord has offered to his true followers. 

page 78

 If we are willing to become the women the Prophet Joseph admonishes us to become, women who are true followers of Jesus Christ, the encroaching darkness in the world will actually provide our opportunity.  For the women of the world will look to us in increasing numbers and will see in the gospel a better way." page 79

5 out of 5 stars. A beautiful and moving book to add to your library.  Joseph's words to the sisters in 1842, still apply to us today.  Even more so.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Parenting with Spiritual Power by Julie K. Nelson -- Blog Tour

Parenting with Spiritual Power

Author: Julie K. Nelson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 12, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1168-8

Paperback: 192 pages

FTC  FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review

Backcover

"I wish children came with an instruction manual!"

How many times have we heard this lament by a frustrated or overwhelmed parent?  Perhaps we have said these words ourselves.  There are "how-to" manuals for practically anything:  installing a new faucet, building a remote control car, baking an apple pie, refinishing an antique chair, or assembling a bicycle.  Is there a formula or a perfect manual for raising children?  Yes!  The scriptures.

In Parenting with Spiritual Power, Julie Nelson examines the lives of mothers and fathers in the scriptures (the best instruction manual) and the parenting principles we can learn from them.  Discover powerful parenting examples from Adam and Eve, the brother of Jared, and Captain Moroni, along with suggestions for personal application in this essential book.

My Review

Wow!  This book is exactly what parents need for some wonderfully inspired parenting advice.  While reading I thought to myself, yes, I need to do it this way, or this can make it so there may be less contention, etc.  Some things are so helpful, it is almost common sense.  These are lesson that we all can be doing as parents, especially myself.  I loved how the scripture references were used to support each chapter.  I am far from being perfect parent, ask my kids, but I know with the Lord's help, I can become a better parent.

I took some notes while reading this book that I wanted to share.

1. Our Heavenly Father is never too busy to listen.  His back is never turned.  (page 12)
2. Each child's feelings should be validated.  When resolving conflicts, we need to ask, gather information, and listen, listen, listen.  (page 15)
3. Catch the child being good...  Focus on the positive we see in our children.  Teach doctrine when guiding and correcting children.  (page 21)
4. "Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children.  Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children."  (Elder Robert D. Hales, page 25)

These are just a few of the helpful examples that I found while reading Parenting with Spiritual Power.  You will be lifted up and feel, that even on your worst days, you can do this.  We all need a little help and a spiritual boost.  This book gives you both.

Author Links 

Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books & Things / Deseret Book 

The Newstead Project by Melanie Schultz -- Book Blast

The Newstead Project

Joel Cranston shouldn’t exist. He just doesn’t know that yet. He’s lived a pretty normal life for the last sixteen years. If you consider being almost seven feet tall and good at about every sport you’ve ever played normal. Normal ends the day Newstead shows up with an invitation to come to their school.

the school.

Newstead is a private high school in Central Vermont by the Green Mountains. It’s a great place to hide a few hundred people who shouldn’t exist while you train them to become tomorrow’s rulers, tomorrow’s dictators, tomorrow’s gods.

the unexpected.

Rachel Newell thinks she’s just passing through. She never stays any place more than four months and with Newstead so close to Weston, she has even more reason to make this her shortest stop ever. The last thing she expects is to have a reason to stay.

Together Rachel and Joel uncover the truth behind what is

the newstead project.

Amazon * Amazon Kindle

Book Trailer

Author Melanie Schulz

I live in Upstate New York with my husband and three children, where I’ve pretty much been planted my entire life.  Which is fine, because it’s beautiful here. My only complaint is that most people assume that New York means NYC, which it doesn’t. There. I’ve done my part in exposing the truth. Truth. The truth is I’m not a writer; storyteller maybe, but not a writer. It wasn’t something I spent years dreaming of, or even what I went to school for. I’m a nurse. I love being a nurse. So why write? I don’t know. I do know when it started, though. September 3, 2010. I know this because I nature journal, and on that day Joel made it into my notes. I guess that’s fitting. Someone like him needed to be birthed out in the woods. If you were to meet me, and I hope someday you do, you would not connect me with this story. I’m a wife, a mother, a nurse. The person who wrote this should’ve been a guy, first off, secondly he should be some militaristic strategist; that’s who you’d expect to see if you were to come to a book signing, not me. But I’m there, in every line. So if I don’t have the good fortune to meet you in person, I hope to see you in THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT.

Website * Blog * Facebook

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/19/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Working it Out by Rachael Renee Anderson -- Cover Reveal

I am so excited to be a part of Rachael's cover reveal for Working it Out.  Rachael is an amazing author and a good friend!  There is also giveaway below.  Enjoy.

Author Rachael Renee Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four books: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Working It Out
A chance encounter . . . 
Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .  
Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.


Giveaway Details
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/31/13

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Life is Too Short Collection by Connie E. Sokol

Tour Schedule

 

Life is Too Short Collection

Are you looking for a fabulous life boost today? The Life is Too Short series is just what you need. Written by Connie Sokol—mother of seven, author, speaker, and amazing matching sock finder—these humorous self-development columns give you just the right amount of fun and functional. Originally written for a major newspaper and magazines, you can now enjoy the entire collection in one book. Put your feet up and laugh as you relate to time-tested tips on being a woman, wife, and mother. You'll learn the cozy stuff of how to adjust expectations, have faith in your dreams, and lighten up in motherhood. And, you'll learn a few life skills such as easy spring cleaning, simplifying the holidays, and creating successful goals. It's the perfect gift for any woman! Short, funny, insightful, these quick power columns are ideal anytime, anywhere, to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

Amazon

My Review

I truly enjoy reading Connie's books.  Whenever I read them, they seem to be exactly what I need at the time.  Connie has an incredible way of putting the important things in life in perspective.  Reading Life is Too Short helped me in many ways.  I took many notes while I was reading, but these points were specifically what I wanted to share.

1.  Find more joy in womanhood.  Enjoy the journey and relax (easier said then done, I know, but you can do it).

2.  Nonproductive time.  "Put off something productive--just once--and do something totally silly, purposeless, and not "on your list."  This nonproductive time might produce more than you realize." page 14

3.  Squeeze your guilt sponge.  "Let the guilt drain out.  To do this, try one thing:  Say to yourself, "I am not perfect."  It sounds simple, even brainless, and yet simple things are usually the hardest to practice because of their apparent ease.  page 16

4.  How simple can we make this.  Sometimes I think I have so much going every day and night, I can not possibly get it all done.  I loved how Connie said this.  "Enjoy this week by looking at commitments, car pools, work assignments, special projects, and whatever else is on your plate, and ask, "How simple cam we keep this?" page 60  Loved that!

5.  Find an ARK.  I appreciated this the most.  What can you do for someone as a random act of kindness.  Even something as easy as picking up a neighbors kids from school, returning someone else's cart at the grocery store, make cookies for your neighbor.  Little things go a long way.  

Thank you Connie for another wonderful book! 




 

Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

Website * Facebook

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card Ends 5/7/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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