Friday, December 13, 2013

The Advent of Murder (A Faith Morgan Mystery) by Martha Ockley


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Kregel Blog Tour Service book  blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 
Author: Martha Ockley/ Rebecca Jenkins


Format: trade paperback
 
Genre: Christian, Mystery, and Suspense

Source:  Kregel Blog Tour Service book blogger campaign 

Published: Lion Fiction / $14.95 / 2013 / ISBN:978-1-78264-006-6

Buy the Book: Kregel Publications / Lion Hudson / Amazon


Stalk the Author: Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Pinterest


Synopsis of Book (as posted on the Kregel Publications website):  

Faith Morgan, former policewoman and vicar of the small English village of Little Worthy, goes to visit one of her parishioners at his farm, only to discover the house surrounded by police cars. A body has been found in the local river and farmer Markham is charged with murder.
Though busy with preparations for Christmas, Faith is called on to investigate when it’s found out that the victim is also a member of her congregation—Lucas Kemp, a member of the choir.
Faith’s informal inquiries lead her to uncover a hotbed of tensions and romantic rivalries in the choir, questions about drugs, and a run-in with an unsavory uncle—which leads to a dramatic rescue by Ben, Faith’s former detective partner and ex-boyfriend.

Read an Excerpt: The Advent of Murder


Why I Read this Book:  I enjoyed reading A Reluctant Detective, the first of the Faith Morgan Mysteries, and figured this would be a great follow-up.
 
 
What I Liked:  I love the fact that Faith does not put on pretenses with her parishioners and admits her flaws for the most part.  It's nice to know that a member of the clergy has some of the same types of thoughts and actions that I have from time to time.  (Even if they're not very nice.)  I also liked the fact that more of Faith's family showed up in this book and that friendships were strengthened through the circumstances in the book.
  

What I Didn't Like:  As this is the British version of the book, it took me a little bit to get the rhythm of the book and I had to really think because the British spelling and vocabulary were used as well.  (i.e., tire = tyre).  

While those are not really detractors for me, I was surprised when the "B" word showed up.  Granted the character was talking about a female dog, but as Americans we do not normally see this word written in Christian fiction.  

Another distractor for me was the fact that as a non-Catholic Christian, I am unfamiliar with some of the abbreviations (MP..?) so I wasn't quite sure if I grasped the whole context of some of the situations in the story.
 
Overall Impression:  Aside from these little blips, I really enjoyed the journey back to Little Worthy.  It was almost as if I had returned to treasured place after a long separation and I was able to slide back into the routine of Faith's hectic life as a vicar.  If you enjoy reading mysteries with a bit of suspense and British quirks, then The Advent of Murder is the book for you!
 

Rating: 4 out of 5


Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Saving Grace by Lesley Ann McDaniel

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!



Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (July 27, 2013)

***Special thanks to Lesley Ann McDaniel for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LESLEY ANN MCDANIEL is a lifelong lover of words, and theatre. While earning a degree in acting, she fell in love with theatrical costuming, and pursued that as a career while nurturing her passion for writing on the side. Through God's guidance, she has shifted her focus to honing her skills as a writer of women's fiction. She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and of a wonderful critique group. A native Montanan and a Big Sky girl at heart, Lesley now resides in the Seattle area.

Visit the author's website.


SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

What happens when a New York City opera singer flees to a small town in Montana to escape a stalker? Tracy Fontaine is about to find out.

When an obsessive fan forces Tracy to change her name to Grace Addison and go into hiding, the last thing she wants is to get to know the locals. Now, not one but two men have worked their way into her daily routine, much to the chagrin of jealous local girl Sophia, who insists on prying into Grace’s past and stirring up deadly trouble.

Will Grace find love in Madison Falls…or will her stalker find her?

Madison Falls. Home of faith, love, peach pie…and a dollop of danger.

Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Series: Madison Falls
Paperback: 278 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (July 27, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1491056908
ISBN-13: 978-1491056905


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Warm air prickled the back of Grace’s neck. The porch creaked under her feet as she stole a glance over her shoulder at the dark street. Nothing.
“...excited to have you here ....”
The real estate agent’s lilting voice hummed in Grace’s ear. She turned, marveling not only at the whiteness of the agent’s slacks, but at the boldness of that fashion choice for a woman whose figure resembled that of a snowman.
“...cab ride even longer than your flight.”
Something pinged against the wooden planks. Grace jolted, dizzied by days of wakefulness. The agent dipped down gracefully as her plump fingers extended.
Just a dropped key.
“I know you’ll fall in love with this adorable house. The pictures on our website don’t do it justice.”
Her chipper tone set Grace’s tired nerves on edge. Why couldn’t the woman move a little faster? Casting a wary eye down the shadowy street, Grace eased the strap of her computer bag off the tense spot on her shoulder. Her over-worked adrenal glands pulsed as the agent—what was her name...Cookie? No. Spritz. Spritz Cole, that was it. As Spritz righted herself and lifted the rescued key toward the mahogany Craftsman door.
“Of course,” Spritz lobbed her an encouraging smile. “Most people want to actually see a house first before signing the papers. You must be anxious to start out fresh.”
“Yes.” Grace coerced a steady tone. “This place just felt right.”
An air of confidence spread over Spritz’s carefully made-up face. “You won’t be disappointed.” She clicked the key, and the deadbolt gave an obliging swoosh. Pushing the door open, she took a theatrical step back. “Welcome home.”
Grace’s heart made a thump that could have come from the score to a Hitchcock movie. She peered in. Her lungs filled with paint-infused air as she took a careful step across the doorsill and into the foyer.
She blinked away welling emotion, plunking her suitcase down on the polished wood floor of the vacant bungalow. Her chest ached as she perused the living room, which looked bigger than her entire studio apartment back home. Its white walls stared at her like a vast canvas.
“Well?” Spritz’s voice glistened with just enough gusto to instill consumer confidence without falling into phoniness.
Grace forced a step further into the house which now bore her name on the title—or rather her chosen name. She found it impossible to whip up much enthusiasm when all she really wanted was her life back. “It’s...adorable. Just like you said.”
The door ka-thunked shut, sending Grace’s heart into her throat.
Spritz let out a pleased breath. “You were smart to snap it up. Houses like this don’t come on the market very often. Why, folks in Madison Falls tend to stay put till they die.”
Grace shot her a fretful glance. Was she being funny or merely factual?
Apparently oblivious to Grace’s unease, Spritz breezed into the living room. “Let me just give you a quick tour.”
Exhaustion jabbed at Grace like a maestro’s baton. “No, you don’t have to—”
“You’ve come all this way,” Spritz cajoled. “I can’t just abandon you at the door. I don’t mind at all.”
Too weary to argue, Grace ran a jittery hand through her hair. Startled once again by the shortness of her cut, she flinched. “Alright then.”
As Spritz took center stage with a clearing of her throat, Grace backed up just enough to secure the deadbolt. She forced attentiveness, though frankly her only architectural concern was the structure’s ability to keep danger at bay.
Spritz stepped seamlessly into tour guide mode. “The key feature of this cozy room is of course the striking Craftsman brick fireplace.” She recited the painstakingly penned text of her own website.
Feeling like a reluctant audience to a friend’s baby-picture-slideshow, Grace swallowed her protest and stepped into the living room.
“...loads of light from this generous picture window.” Spritz pulled a cord, sending the front blinds clattering upward.
Grace shrank back, feeling the same vulnerability as she did whenever someone burst into her dressing room unannounced. The darkness outside chilled her. Why hadn’t she planned for a day-lit arrival?
“...cut glass...original to the house.” Spritz dropped the cord. Her arm extended toward the smaller windows above the built-in bookcases which flanked the fireplace.
Keeping a polite focus on her guide, Grace slid toward the picture window. She felt for the cold metal of the latch, breathing easier at its firmness. She gave the cord to the blinds a quick yank then twisted the wand to smooth the slats.
“...1920’s charm.” Spritz clasped her hands in front of her, clearly moved by her own narrative of the home’s features. A well-rehearsed pause, then a twirl toward the dining room.
Forcing her tired eyes to stay focused, Grace pulled shut the blinds on the smaller windows. 1920’s charm, indeed. Feigning cheerful interest, she crossed under the wide arch which separated this room from the next.
Spritz drew her arm with a flourish in the direction of a built-in china hutch. “This room is perfect for entertaining.”
Grace huffed at the suggestion that she would actually invite people over. Spritz’s eyes narrowed.
“I...I...” Grace stuttered, dismayed that fatigue had wiped out her ability to self-censor. “I just never had my own dining room before. I didn’t know I needed one.”
Spritz’s face lit like a make-up mirror. “Our neighborhood progressive dinner is coming up. I’ll be sure to add you to the circuit.”
Grace shivered, giving in to a long blink. Just what she needed. An invitation to the biggest event of the Mayberry social season.
Spritz swung open a double-hinged door, taking a calculated step through it as she spoke. “I just love the charm of this vintage style kitchen.”
Grace cast a polite look through the doorway. Vintage style? Was that real estate lingo for badly-in-need-of-an-update?
“Cute.” Too bad she couldn’t cook. All those years of dorm food and take-out had made that skill superfluous. At least she knew how to make coffee.
Thoughts of a comforting beverage warmed her momentarily, then vanished as her inaugural step into the kitchen almost sent her plummeting.
Spritz let out a yelp, catching her by the elbow. “Sweetie! Are you okay?”
Her heart racing, Grace clutched Spritz’s arm as her feet surfed for solid flooring. “I… I’m fine. Thanks.” She let go, testing the tiles using the care of a person treading through a minefield. One tile near the door had a definite trampoline-like quality. Funny that hadn’t made the web site’s list of fancy features.
Spritz gave the floor a healthy stomp with the heel of her Easy Spirit pump. “I really had no idea there was a problem here.” She patted Grace’s bicep. “Not to worry. We’ve got a wonderful handyman in town who’ll fix it for a song.”
Grace’s stomach fluttered. The last thing she needed was some strange man in her house expecting her to sing. “I’m sure I can take care of it myself.”
“Oh, a DIY girl, huh?” She looked impressed. “Why not let Sam handle this, and put your energy into the fun projects?”
With a decisive nod, Spritz stepped over the aberrant flooring to the rectangle of a hallway. Grace followed, anxious to finish the tour and get on with her plan. All she needed was to be left alone, to let down her guard at last, and fall into a deep sleep.
“Storage closet. Linen closet. Basement.” Spritz flung open each door in turn. “The floor is original to the house, but it’s been refinished. Let me show you the back bedroom.” She disappeared, rattling off facts as if her audience still needed convincing.
Grace’s body followed her eyes to the cracked-open bathroom door. A golden trail of light across the floor taunted her. Flashes of that last moment before her life had changed for good. She looked intently at the light—an eerie implication that someone else had recently been in the house. Be strong. What other choice did she have?
She reached out. A light touch to the crystal doorknob. Good grief, it’s only a bathroom. Wouldn’t be practical to avoid it indefinitely.
Shoving the heavy door with one hand while instinctively clenching the other, her own breath threatened to choke her.
The bathtub held a dead body.
No! Reflexively, her hands shielded her eyes. Then through parted fingers, she forced a second look. It was just a bathtub. Clean, white...and empty.
It had been more than two years now, but the image of the blood splattered porcelain still haunted her.
“Don’t you just love the claw foot tub?”
Grace sucked in a sharp breath, jolted by the perky voice from behind. She shook off the memory. Why couldn’t the place just have a shower, like her apartment?
“Let’s take a look at the front bedroom,” Spritz chirped with an air of unruffled confidence. She stepped into the room to her left, flicking a switch to illuminate it.
Grace followed, heavy with fatigue. She hovered in the doorway of the big white box that would be her bedroom, piqued by Spritz’s unnecessary perkiness.
Spritz beamed with professional pride. “The bedrooms are the same square footage, so it really depends on which view you prefer.”
Grace heaved an anxious sigh. She had already decided she’d sleep in this room. Best to keep track of the world out front—as if anything would happen in a town this size. Yawning, she lifted her wrist slightly, shocked at the hour—nearly eleven. One o’clock in the morning back home. Her eyelids felt like they had stage weights in them.
“Where’s my head?” Spritz crossed toward her, hands outstretched. “You flew all the way from Seattle, then had that long cab ride from Missoula. You must be dead on your feet.”
Grace’s stomach pitched at the ill-chosen words, but she coerced a smile. Spritz had shown such kindness without even knowing how much Grace had needed it. She allowed the realtor to enclose both her hands in a solid, warm grasp.
“I’ll see myself out.” Spritz gave Grace’s hands an extra squeeze. “You just call if you need anything.” She turned for the door, speaking over her shoulder as she walked. “Or stop by my office. It’s on Main, right across from the park. You can’t miss it.”
Grace chuckled to herself. As if finding anything in this town would require the use of MapQuest.
Grateful for her long-awaited solitude, she bolted the door after Spritz’s exit and lowered the blinds over its small cut glass pane. Talk about impractical. Why would anyone want a window in their front door?
Looking around the quiet house, she surrendered to a welcome yawn. She hadn’t been this tired in a very long time. All she needed was a refreshing night’s sleep to plan her next step for surviving this ordeal.
She dragged her feet back to the bedroom and stopped. Looking down at the hard wood of the floor, she let out a throaty moan. Where had her head been? She had always prided herself on her ability to think things through down to the minutest detail. How could she have neglected to arrange for a bed?
She sat down with a thud and buried her face in her hands, not knowing if she would burst out in laughter or sobs.
“Good grief, Grace Addison.” A quiet laugh escorted her words. “Or whatever your name is. Get your act together, would you?”



Dynamic Uno here:  Due to craziness with my schedule and now my email, I was unable to request this book for review.  However, it sounds absolutely fabulous and I will be adding it to my Amazon wishlist--in case anyone's interested.  (Hint...Hint...)

Did you read this book?  Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

YouTube Thursday

Hello out there in blogger land!  I know I've been absent and I have some really good personal reasons as to why I've been away for so long, but I am trying to be back on a semi-regular basis so that I can continue to connect with you and "meet" new people.

When thinking about all of the struggles that are occurring in my life, I decided to do the thing that comes naturally to me--listen to music.  In doing so, this song from the former band Addison Road popped up on my play list and really hit me as being true right now in my life.  If you like this song, Addison Road did split up, but Jenny Simmons (the female voice) is now out on her own and I hope you will listen to her music.  Enjoy!

Hope Now by Addison Road




Thursday, September 12, 2013

You Tube Thursday

I've been feeling melancholy lately with all of the craziness going on in my personal and work lives.  When I came across this great classic, I knew I had to show it to you today.  Enjoy!!

Smile by Nat King Cole



Wednesday, September 11, 2013

We Will NEVER Forget

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-26631411-world-trade-center-typography.php?st=bce5f30

Friday, August 30, 2013

Whispers on the Dock (Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn, book #3) by Evangeline Kelley




 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 
Author: Evangeline Kelley   (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)

Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Cozy Mystery, Light Romance, Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign 

Published: Guideposts Books / $13.99 / 2013 / ISBN:978-0-8249-3259-6

Buy the Book:  Amazon


Why I Read this Book:  I first read books one (Seaside Harmony) and two (Sunflower Summer) back in May and I was very interested to read the final book in the series because I grew to love the characters and wanted to learn more about their guests at the Inn.
 

What I Liked:   In this part of the charming tale about the Marris sisters, we find that the Misty Harbor Inn is still taking on "quirky" guests such as romance writer Trish, and an elderly woman by the name of Doris, who used to live at Misty Harbor when she was younger.  (Talk about exciting!)

With an upcoming wedding to plan, a local baking contest to enter, a sorrow-filled granddaughter,  Hannah Montague's mystery still to be solved, a possible new job, a possible new house, a would-be suitor, and a surprise revealed about their mother's past, the sisters undoubtedly have their hands full.

I really have loved the characters in this series.  They're tenacious and independent women who have learned to accept help from those around them.  They've also learned about God's grace and the price of family and friendship.  Not only have I laughed, but I have cried with them too.  I felt like Nancy Drew as they unearthed pieces about Hannah Montague's life, and I enjoyed the stories their guests would tell in the dining room--almost as if they were my extended family.

 What I Didn't Like:  Knowing that this is the last of the books in the Misty Harbor Inn series, I decided to take my time and savor each detail. (Excuse my while I grab a tissue...) I would really love the meet more of the unique guests that stayed at the Inn and explore more of the history of the area.  (Yes, I am still living in their fictional world.  So much so, that I wouldn't mind visiting Misty Harbor Inn myself!)



Overall Impression:  I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series and living through their daily struggles with them.  It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who struggles with decisions and how to treat/react to others on a daily basis.  I'm going to really miss reading about their lives and what the future holds for them now.  Maybe someday, more novels will be released and based upon some of the guests.  (Trish would have an interesting back-story as would their next door neighbor.)  Until then, we'll have to imagine ourselves walking along the beach and strolling through town to pick up guests on their way to the Inn.

Rating: 5 out of 5


Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Anomaly by Krista McGee







 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  



Title:  Anomaly
Author: Krista McGee
Genre: Christian, Young Adult, Dystopian, Fiction
Buy the Book: Amazon / Thomas Nelson

Find the Author Online: Blog / Facebook / Twitter
 


Blah!  Another dystopian book...was my first thought when I received the book in the mail to review.  These days, it's hard to find anything other than dystopian literature for young adults.  Oh well, at least I could add it to our school's dystopian collection for the projects our tenth graders do each year with them.

W.O.W!!  Is all I can say right now.  Anomaly is one of THE best books I've read in a long time.  (And I'm not just saying that because the author teaches almost across the street from me from me.)  The story sucks you in and won't loosen its grip until the very last page.  Even now I'm frustrated that I have to wait until January for book #2, Luminary, to come out. 

I think what's so realistic about this society, is that I can see we're headed down this path--tampering with food to make sure it's "healthy" for us, genetically modifying/creating people to be more resilient, "big brother" watching our every move to monitor and maintain orderliness of conduct, virtual reality simulators and learning "pads"...all of these issues and technologies are prevalent in the society that our characters live in.

Obviously this takes place in the future--after we all decide to annihilate one another using nuclear bombs, but this story takes place in the underground laboratories/living pods that are created in case a national/world disaster does occur.

Thalli and Berk are part of the 3rd generation of humans to be created in this world.  Every human has a place in society and everyone lives in harmony because pesky emotions do not get in the way.   Any differences have been "bred" out of humans and any anomalies are annihilated to restore harmony to each pod.

Berk has been chosen to be one of THE scientists for their civilization and Thalli is just a musician that must play for her pod-mates so they will continue to be productive.  The problem lies in the fact that Thalli has emotions so she must be annihilated--a process she does not (understandably) want to go through.  Thankfully, Berk recognizes her and launches a plan that places them both in danger.

Along the way they meet many characters, one whose name is John, an older gentleman who introduces them to the Designer, the one who made all humans--even the scientists.  Will Thalli be saved from annihilation by Berk, or will they both be cast out of society?  Who is this Designer, and will He be able to help save them from the scientists?  How did John meet the Designer and what roles do they play in the quest for Thalli's life?  You'll have to read Anomaly to find out!!!!!!!!!

Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5 
Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

YouTube Thursday

Yay!  Beckah Shae has a new release--Turbo Style--and I'm loving it!



Hope this gets you moving today.  One more day until the weekend!


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Kregel book blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 




Title: The Brotherhood Conspiracy (book #2)
Format: trade paperback
Genre: Christian, Suspense, Thriller, Fiction
Published: Kregel Publications / 2013 / ISBN: 978-0825443176 / 368 pages
Buy the Book: Kregel Publications 

Find the Author Online: Website / Blog



 Another AMAZING book by Terry Brennan!  I read the first book in this series, The Sacred Cipher, back in 2009 and have looked forward to this sequel ever since!

The Brotherhood Conspiracy takes place not too long after Tom Bohannon and his friends unearth the secret below Jerusalem's Temple Mount and the Muslim's Dome of the Rock.  A large earthquake completely obliterates both structures, causing a temporary truce between both factions. 

Unfortunately, more secrets are yet to be revealed from the scroll. Commissioned by the President of the United States, Tom and his cohorts are entrapped in a deadly mission--one more dangerous and with higher stakes than before--to decode the cipher and find the Tent of Meeting before they are killed by unscrupulous groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

Will they be able to uncover the secrets in time?  Who will survive the attacks by assassins?  And why is this Tent of Meeting so important to various countries and rulers?

You'll have to read the book to find out! 

*************************************************************************

I thoroughly enjoyed the action and adventure in this novel.  At first, it was a little hard to understand who the key players were because it has been a few years since I read the first book; however, once I became engrossed in the story and the actions of the characters, it didn't matter so much because I could tell who they were "working for" and which "side" they were on, with a few surprises here and there.

I enjoyed the details and the descriptions of the characters--especially the unforgettable Rizzo with his theatrics and tough-talking demeanor and a heart of gold.  I also enjoyed the history and biblical aspects intertwined to create an adventure that is worthy of the big screen.

I found The Brotherhood Conspiracy to be scary in the sense that it closely mirrors what is happening in the Middle East and other current events.  As Terry Brennan states, many of the items in the book are based upon research and fact, but there are parts that are completely fictional (So he says...Just how much inside information is the author privy to?)  It's also very thought-provoking because just as the President in the book and Tom's friends mentioned, we are heading in the "end days" and it's going to be quite a roller-coaster ride.

If you're looking for a suspenseful and action-packed series that will keep you on the edge of your seat (and quite possibly researching events on your own), look no further because Terry Brennan's books are MUST READS!!


Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5 
 


Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!


Friday, July 19, 2013

Popcorn Maker Fun

OK, so school starts up soon and of course I'm sitting in workshops.  Most of the time they're pretty boring, but this one (Popcorn Maker) is actually fun.

If you're not familiar with Popcorn Maker, it's kind of like Photo Story 3 on steroids.  You can manipulate web materials and graphics to create your own montage of works.  Both are free downloads, so don't worry if you're on a budget.  Don't worry--as a teacher, I completely understand.

Normally, I would follow copyright laws and ask for permission to use the content I "borrowed," but since I needed to have a finished product before I left the workshop, I went to my favorite place (YouTube) and grabbed some of their content to use for my Popcorn.   Mea Culpa.  Mea Culpa.

After working several hours and playing with the different features, here's my (1 minute) result:

Popcorn Play




Let me know what you think!  Have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

YouTube Thursday

If you really want a laugh before you start the weekend, you have GOT to watch this video...

 Sad Cat Diary




I am still laughing because I can see my own "child" narrating this video.  Enjoy!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Enter to win an iPad Mini from @KristaMcGeeYA | “Anomaly” Giveaway!

Krista McGee is celebrating the release of Anomaly, the first book in her new YA dystopian series, with an iPad Mini Giveaway!

Anomaly-blogger-button
One winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
  • A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista's website on August 2nd.

Spread the word about Krista and her giveaway HERE!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter (A Chapel Springs Romance)






 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 






Title: Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance)
Format: trade paperback with a Reading Group Guide
Genre: Christian, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Published: Thomas Nelson / 2013 / ISBN: 978-1-4016-8700-7/ 320 pages / $15.99  
Buy the Book: Amazon / Thomas Nelson 
Find the Author Online: Website / Twitter / Facebook
 
Why I Read this Book: In case you haven't noticed, I'm a sucker for romance stories and I love Denise Hunter's other books, so I figured this would be  a win-win situation.  (To see my other reviews, click on her name under "labels" in this posting and my other reviews on her books will pop up.)  Plus, one of the main characters is named Madison, which is the name of my little girl--how could I go wrong?!

Madison's twin brother downed while in high school and she still hasn't been able to get rid of the dreams that torment her night after night.  In an effort to move on from the tragedy, Madison decides that she wants to win the annual sailing regatta in honor of her brother.  The only problem--she doesn't know how or sail, or swim for that matter.

Beckett, the former "bad boy" in high school, who also happened to be Madison's first kiss, is saddled with the responsibility of teaching her how to sail before the regatta.  The same one he is planning on winning so he can start his own boat building business with the cash prize.

Although they try to fight it, Madison and Beckett are drawn to one another and working/sailing  side-by-side isn't helping the attraction.  Finally, they decide to call a truce and end up falling in love.

As with all fledgling romances, there is always some kind of misunderstanding that threatens the relationship; however, Beckett would hardly call his secret a misunderstanding.  In fact, it's more like a plague that is growing exponentially the longer he keeps it from Madison.

Will telling Madison the secret rip apart their budding relationship?  Can they both learn to trust God and His comfort and promises?  Will forgiveness change their lives?
 
 
What I Liked: Denise Hunter is quite the realistic story teller.  Not only does she pull on your heart-strings with a real-to-life sob-story, but her character development makes you want to walk right up to the characters and shake them on occasion when they make "dumb" decisions.  
 
I'm a sucker for romance stories and this one did not disappoint.  The characters were realistic in their actions and voice to the point that I felt like they were my own friends and I was the proverbial "fly on the wall" while they lived their daily lives.

I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Hunter wove biblical truths such as trust and forgiveness into this tale, which made the actions and reactions of the characters that much more realistic.  I sat biting my nails during certain points in the story because I could hardly handle the suspense of how the characters would react and whether or not they would rely on God to guide them.  
 
As I mentioned, Ms. Hunter is quite the wordsmith, and I intend on reading as many of her words as I can find. 
 

What I Didn't Like: Finding out that book #2, Dancing with Fireflies, will not be available until April 2014.  Really?  Why must we wait soooooooooooo looooooooooooooong for the book to be published?????
  
 
 
Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5
Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

You Tube Thursday

After searching for a video to use today, I had one pop up in my queue that I didn't expect.  I have to admit I was quite shocked to see it in my search results since what I typed wasn't anywhere near to what popped up.  (I'm not going to mention any names, but let's just say it was a blast from the past.)  So, to sum up my feelings about the whole situation, I figured Miranda sings it best....

Kerosene by Miranda Lambert


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Denise Hunter’s “Barefoot Summer” Summer Sun Giveaway!

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa
BarefootSummer 
Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck (Royal Wedding Series Book #1)





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  



Title: Once Upon a Prince (The Royal Wedding Series Book #1)
Author: Rachel Hauck
Format: trade paperback with Discussion Questions
Genre: Christian, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Published: Zondervan / 2013 / ISBN: 978-0-310-31547-6 / 338 pages / $14.99  
Buy the Book: Amazon / Zondervan / Christianbook

Find the Author Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Blog
 
 
 
Why I Read this Book: I've always been a fan of fairy tales--especially ones where the girl finds her prince.  After all, if it can happen in a book, why not real-life, right?  (Helloooo--Princess Diana....Catherine Middleton...ring any bells?)  Who knows, my prince may be out there somewhere, we just haven't crossed paths yet.  (At least that's what I keep telling myself.)   So, when I saw this new release by Rachel Hauck, (a fabulous writer, if I do say so myself!) I just knew I had to read it and "live" the fantasy over again.  I was not disappointed!
 
 
What I Liked:  Susanna Truitt is having a really bad day.  Not only was she left standing in the sand, without an engagement ring by her now former boyfriend, but she then has to rely on the kindness of a stranger to run off a crazy homeless guy trying to hit on her as she attempts to change her car's flat tire.  If that wasn't bad enough, she spills her guts to said stranger and then is forced to deal with the gossip mill as news of her broken relationship gets around the island.  Change is coming to Susanna's life. Is she willing to trust God (and her kooky friend Aurora) to guide her in the right direction?
 
"Nate Kenneth" aka Prince Nathaniel from Brighton Kingdom, is on his last "free" holiday on St. Simon's Island.  His father, the King, is very ill and Nathaniel must ascend the throne soon to help his country out of their political mess.  Unfortunately, this also means he must marry to help ease the tensions in his country, and his choices are far from what he'd desire.  Will Nathaniel trust God to bring the best for him, or will he let his infatuation with Susanna overrule his heart?

Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens!  Let's just say, this book caused me to laugh and cry, and laugh some more.  If you're in love with the "happily ever after" type stories, you definitely want to read Once Upon a Prince


What I Didn't Like: The book ended too soon!  I'm in love with the idea of love and happily ever after.  All of the little details that are added were just perfect!  (You'll understand what I mean when you read the story.)  I want to know more--especially about Aurora and Susanna's sister, Avery.  
 
Why do we have to wait so long for the other books!?!?!

Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5


If you're into fairy tales and are still waiting for your prince--you'll love Once Upon a Prince!  
Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!



Happy Mother's Day!  Whether you're the mom to children of the two-legged, or in my case, the four-legged variety, I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing day!


Friday, May 10, 2013

Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Series by Evangeline Kelley


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received both books free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
   


Seaside Harmony (Book #1)              
                    
 When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected. (Synopsis taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotion page.)




  Sunflower Summer (Book #2) 

 Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives. (Synopsis taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotion page.)




Author: Evangeline Kelley   (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)


Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.


Format: trade paperbacks

Genre: Christian, Cozy Mystery, Light Romance, Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign 

Published: Guideposts Books / $13.99 / 2013


Buy the Books:  Amazon / Publisher / Christianbook 


Why I Read these Books:  I originally learned about this series through Camy Tang, one of the contributing authors, and  I'm familiar with Guideposts because I used to subscribe to their magazine.  At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the books because the three characters are closer to my mother's/grandmother's ages and I wasn't sure I would be able to relate.  However, when I learned that there was a mystery involved, and it was about a bed and breakfast, I decided to give them a try.  I haven't been disappointed yet! :)

What I Liked:   In Seaside Harmony, the first book in the series, we meet the Marris sisters as they are on a family vacation, commemorating the trips their recently deceased mother used to take them on when they were little.  Their favorite vacation spot was in the quaint little sea town of Nantucket, where the beaches were perfect for playing and the local bed and breakfast held high-teas.  Unfortunately, the bed and breakfast was no longer in business and even had a for sale sign posted out front.  It was their mother's wish to one day own a bed and breakfast, and after MUCH debating and shenanigans, the three sisters decide to purchase the property and restore it to its former glory.  Along the way, we get to meet more of the townspeople and discover just what makes Nantucket so special.  We also get a glimpse into each sister's life and some of the struggles they face, as well as get involved in an unsolved mystery regarding the original owners of the place.

In Sunflower Summer, we find that the Inn is almost ready to be opened and the sisters are still trying to work out the kinks of owning and running a bed and breakfast.  Over the course of several months, they meet many interesting characters (in more way than one) from a honeymooning couple, a former screen and stage actress writing her memoirs,  to locals who help uncover clues with the increasing mystery about the former owners of the inn.  Not to mention there's "drama" amongst the sisters and their life issues.  (It's so nice to know that I'm not the only one with problems--even if theirs are fictional.)

Reading these first two books made me realize that you're never too old to make a dream come true .  They also made me remember that I shouldn't take my friends and family for granted because I never know when I will see them for the last time.  I also enjoyed learning more of the Nantucket history and meeting the quirky characters that came for visits.  Each sister has different talents and were able to use them for the good of the inn and their customers and friends.  It makes me nostalgic for the vacations that I've taken at the beach or even a bed and breakfast because I love to travel and learn about new places.

What I Didn't Like:  Sometimes the character's speech and actions didn't match their life experiences, and sometimes certain aspects of the character's lives were reiterated a little too much for my liking. (It may not bother you at all.)  I attribute these minor details to the fact that more than one author's voice has been added to the novels, which makes a completely seamless story almost impossible.  As I mentioned, these are just minor details that I'm nitpicking.  They probably wouldn't even pop up on anyone else's "radar," it just happened to stick out to me during this first reading of the novels.

Overall Impression:  I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series and living through their daily struggles with them.  As I learned more about each of the sisters and their individuals struggles with family/friend relationships, I found that I wanted to learn even more.  I'm pre-ordering book #3 in the series ( Whispers on the Dock) and can't wait to find out more.  Despite what the publishers show, I'm hoping more books are published about the Inn and their guests because I love reading about the quirks of others.  (Yes, I'm that person.) 

Rating: 4 out of 5
Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

Monday, April 15, 2013

The One Success Habit You Can't Do Without by Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!



Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 17, 2012)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Dr. Fred Lybrand is a communicator and father of five who has been married for over 30 years and has the diverse combination of having formally studied law, speech communications, systems thinking, linguistics, writing, theology, marketing, structural dynamics, leadership/management and the human personality.

As the author of six books and a number of articles and co-founder of TrimTab Solutions (an energy industry consulting firm), Lybrand is currently focusing on the challenging puzzle of human productivity and high performance. The One Success Habit is his newest contribution to help individuals and organizations become more productive without yielding one ounce of being human. His client list includes the United States Air Force, State Farm Insurance, Valero, Chick-fil-A, Pioneer Natural Resources, Encana, Marathon Oil, Rose & Associates, Protrader, Burlington Resources, AcuFocus and Silver Creek Oil & Gas.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Organization, productivity and good habits all appear to be part of successful endeavors. However, many of us don't know how to use these to reach our goals with true success. Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand, motivational speaker, writer and "human behavior expert," with his newest release, The One Success Habit You Can't Do Without (Kauffman Burgess Press, February 2013), continues with his warm, witty conversational advice that brings fresh clarity to the age old question of how to get organized...get moving...and shift our actions towards a new level of daily success. .


Product Details:
List Price: $11.97
Paperback: 130 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 17, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1478326301
ISBN-13: 978-1478326304



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


What is Success to You?



A few years ago ‘de-motivator’ posters became all the rage. The idea was to send a message while offering a dark kind of comfort. Here are a couple of my favorite captions as best my memory serves;



If at first you don’t succeed…maybe failure is your thing


Perhaps your life is just to serve as a warning to others


The first had a dejected baseball player sitting on the bench, and the second had a half-sunken barge in the middle of the ocean. Almost immediately we all get the importance of success, but think a little deeper…



Why Does Success Matter?



On the surface, success matters because failure is so bad.



It does seem that most people operate with this kind of thought in the back of their minds somewhere. You know, it’s simple. If you don’t have money, friends, a lover, and stuff…life will be awful. Then again, I’ve worked with people over the years who fret over their money, are frustrated with their friends, want to get away from their lover, and are pretty bored with their stuff. In this kind of circumstance we find the first key to succeeding. Success is always relative. Success is always a ‘compared to what’ phenomenon. Success is driven by, and dies by, comparison. Are you a success? According to whom or according to what standard?



Honestly it just gets down to definitions.



Toward a Definition of Success



Clear definitions can solve all kinds of problems, especially conflicts.



Just definitions either prevent or put an end to disputes. -Emmons



Isn’t that true? Haven’t you seen an argument suddenly stop because someone said, “Oh, I thought you meant...” The debate was in full motion because the facts were not clear.



Now think about success. What is your definition of success? How will you know when you get there? On any particular project or subject matter, how can you know a single step to take unless you’ve defined what success for that thing will be?



It isn’t just for ‘big picture’ things either. The definition of success can matter for any item. How much money do you need to be a success? How much money do you need to be able to give away to be a success? Does it matter if the money is on paper, or do you need to be able to get to it? Change it to family---What does it mean to be a successful father, mother, or child? Is your children’s success a part of your definition of success? If they fail do you also fail?

Most of the time we have not done the most basic of things---we have not defined our terms. Here are a few ways to ask the question for your own benefit.



What does success mean to me?



When will I know I’m a success?



How will I know I am a success at home, the office, in friendships, in love, etc.?



Is there an area I have already succeeded in that I can learn from? What was my definition of success?



It is high-time you define success in order to know what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you fail to sit down and clarify your own definition of what it means to be a success, then you have no real way to organize your actions or know when you’ve arrived. That may be the reason you have never defined it…if you don’t define success, then you can never fail. Quite a strategy you have there, but there is one problem: Just because you never fail, it doesn’t mean you have succeeded! Having no enemies doesn’t mean you have lots of friends. You can still just be alone.



Thoreau’s point that most people die with the ‘song still in them’ comes to the essential point of definition. If you haven’t admitted you want to sing a song, or haven’t admitted that the song is a ballad---well, then the song will stay inside till you die. If you won’t start working on your definition of success, then quit reading this book and throw away your library on the subject. Nothing happens without a definition.



In many ways definition is more useful than vision. Defining a successful outcome of a meeting, a project, a business, or a life, can take care of the vision issue. Honestly, isn’t a definition of a successful outcome the real vision you need?



My Definition of Success



It seems only fair for me to give you my own definition of success.



Frankly, this definition is a composite of elements I’ve found to be crucial through the years. Parts may be plagiarized, but it isn’t intentional. In the history of the literature and the years of reflective reading, some of these things get so often quoted we think they are original with ourselves. If you show me who said what (from Epictetus to Napoleon Hill to Billy Graham), I’ll be glad to note the reference. In the meantime, here’s how I frame the word

SUCCESS:



Success is achieving what is meaningful to me through the use of my best talents; without violating the rights or freedom of others and without offending God.



Well, there is a lot here, so allow me to make a few comments on each part as it might relate to you.



• Achieving what is meaningful to me – Essentially this is about getting what you genuinely want or desire, but it considers how meaningful the accomplishment is to you as an individual. When you create a result that you want you are basically successful. Yet, we often don’t feel it because it wasn’t meaningful to begin with. The starting place is to let go of what everyone else is demanding (or you imagine they are demanding) in order to learn to be true to yourself. If it isn’t meaningful to you, then why create it?



• Through the use of my best talents – Maybe you can create the results you want through your

lesser talents, but I wouldn’t bet on you. ‘Nature’ has certainly designed you for something, or given you capacities to use in particular ways. These capacities need development in order to become skills. It is your love for the activity that allows the 10,000 hours you will invest to become a true master. Yet, even starting out, you are better than most people at certain things without much practice. These areas are where your talents live…and on balance, they are the means through which you will succeed.



• Without violating the rights or freedom of others – If you destroy people (or their property) on the way to success, you are still a big fat failure. Sorry for the moralizing, but that’s the way it goes. What goes around comes around. You will reap as you sow. The Golden Rule is true. Attempting to manipulate and control others is tantamount to lying and cheating, which on any plane is failure. The reason manipulation amounts to cheating is that you are effectively removing the other person’s choice when you manipulate…unless she can say, “No,” then her answer is never a legitimate, “Yes.”



• Without offending God – Now, this is clearly added because it is unique to me and my life

orientation. If you are an atheist, scratch this part. Then again, if you are an atheist you don’t think you can offend God since He doesn’t exist--- so, you might as well leave it in! For the rest of us who believe in a Creator who is sovereign over all of His creation, it seems wise to take into consideration His standards. This doesn’t have to be a set of rules, but it does mean that at least on the level of conscience we would be wise to stay decent in His eyes.



Well, there’s my definition and you are welcome to borrow it, amend it, or toss it as you see fit. The reason I wrote it down was to create a context for my succeeding. What I pursue and how I feel about it really makes sense with this definition. The definition also helps me consider (or reject) possibilities that come my way.



Your Definition of Success



How about you? What is your definition of success?



Why not take a moment and write down something on a scrap of paper? If you don’t define success, how will you know if you ever make it? How will you know if the steps you are pursuing will get you to what you really want in succeeding?



Pardon the illustration, but I remember asking my father, “When did you first realize you were a man?” He thought for a moment and said, “It was when I went home from college and smoked in front of my parents.” Even as I write this I want to stress that I loved my dad and learned a mountain of valuable insights from him. However, on the definition of being ‘a man’, that’s about as silly as it comes. It certainly never organized his life like a better definition might have, and it certainly didn’t give me what I needed as to direction. My 4 sons all memorized a definition I heard from Robert Lewis during a trip to Little Rock. “A man is one who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and looks for the greater reward.”



It has been a joy to watch my sons all check, challenge, and cheer for one another as they’ve grown toward manhood. Definitions can make a huge difference.



Don’t underestimate the importance of working out your own definition of success; it will guide you toward wherever it points. Choose carefully, but choose now and improve it tomorrow.



The Need of the Moment



The need of the moment is for you to get started on a definition of success.



In a writing course (see it at www.advanced-writing- resources.com) I developed to help others overcome the same crippling fear of writing I had, I explain that writing occurs in three stages:



1. OK

2. Get Help

3. Make It Great



The idea is simply that most of us try to write something great from the moment we find pen and paper. The truth is that you can’t start with perfect.



You can start with OK, however. Honestly, can you write an “OK” definition of success? Your definition of success should be nothing fancy and nothing to publish; just something OK.



Can you write that kind of a definition? Of course you can, and then you can get help with it. Show it to a trusted friend or two and see what they would add or take away. Play with it over a few days or weeks. Read it aloud and see what you think. Your definition can be a living thing and may take new shapes over the years. Nonetheless, your definition will give you a starting place.



Of course, it would be easier just to copy my definition down on a 3x5 card and reflect on it. I may have already saved you the time and hassle. Regardless, please make sure it is your own definition because you ‘own’ it.



Now, having a great definition of success is still meaningless unless you finally embrace one thing…



Dynamic Uno here: When I first saw this book up for review I pounced on the chance to read it.  After all, one habit to be successful?  Really?   Plus, I had read Glaen by Dr. Lybrand and loved it, so I figured this would be a good book too.

The One Success Habit arrived in the mail and I was first taken aback by the brevity of the book.  It's only 130 pages.  I was trying to figure out how a habit could be explained within such a short framework, but then I remembered that it was only one habit, so I stopped trying to figure it out and started reading.

Despite the shortness of the book, there are a lot of pieces of information within.  Each chapter really should be read in order (for those of you that like to skip and skim) because the information builds upon itself from section to section and chapter to chapter.  I recommend even reading it in one sitting, or the information will seem discombobulated, especially if you're bad about remembering the facts you read before. (Guilty as charged.)

If you're unable to read the book in one full sitting, I recommend that you request the workbook and complete it as you read so that you have a plan in place for how you want to use the habit.  Go to the website and view the videos Dr, Lybrand offers to help explain some of the points.


Reading The One Success Habit made me realize some of the errors in the way I think about productivity and setting goals.  Many times I wanted to smack myself in the head and go "Duh!" because Dr. Lybrand explained things so simply.  It was almost a "why didn't I think of that?" moment-only it happened repeatedly.

All in all the book was pretty good.  It did seem like more of a sales pitch for his other products and courses at the beginning, but towards the end his examples of using the habit were better explained and elaborated, and his points were better established. 

Since I wasn't able to read The One Success Habit in one sitting, I think I am going to re-read the book and complete the workbook at the same time.  This way I have a course of action to take when school starts up next year.  (I'm currently re-evaluating my systems and expectations for the running of the library.  My hope is that I can establish The One Success Habit to run my library classroom more efficiently and productively.)

So, if you're looking for a good book to read about establishing habits and being more efficient or productive, you've stopped at the right place.  The One Success Habit You Can't Do Without by Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand is the book for you!

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!