Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days by Jonathan Alpert and Alisa Bowman * A Review

ABOUT Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days
 Most people have something that gnaws at them at night, a mess or unrealized dream somewhere in their lives that causes them to feel stuck, out of control, overwhelmed, incomplete, and dissatisfied. They want to run away, back away, and ignore what they fear--whether it's a demanding boss, unsatisfying sex life, or distant love interest, but they can't. The fear finds them anyway. It's always there, and it's the source of all of their unhappiness. It's what lies behind every problem, and it's what stands between them and the lives they were meant to live. Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert wants readers to know one thing: you can face your fear and create your ultimate life-and you can do it quickly. You can find your dream job. You can end that dead end relationship and get the love you want and deserve. You can overcome perfectionism, procrastination, panic, worry, rejection, failure, excuses and even the people in your life who keep telling you that you can't. You can turn your dreams into reality. You can find happiness, success and love. And you don't need years of therapy or even medications to do it.

 BE FEARLESS is a 5 step plan that is guaranteed to transform the fearful into fearless. It's based on a revolutionary formula developed by Jonathan Alpert, and it's worked on countless patients whose amazing stories are told throughout the book. In as few as 3 weeks readers will transform their lives using the
5 step program:
 Define Your Dream Life
Break Your Fear Pattern
 Rewrite Your Inner Narrative
Eliminate Your Fear
Response Live Your Dream
 By teaching readers to use fear to their advantage and take important risks BE FEARLESS will make the impossible possible.

 Hardcover: 288 pages
 Publisher: Center Street (April 24, 2012)
 Language: English
 ISBN-10: 1455513415 ISBN-13: 978-1455513413

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
  Jonathan Alpert is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in Manhattan and one of the media's favorite sources of no-nonsense lifestyle advice, quotes, and commentary. The New York Observer has called him "Manhattan's most media-friendly psychotherapist". His insight is regularly tapped by major national and international media outlets, including television, print, radio, and online. He appears on such nationally televised shows as The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX and NBC Nightly News. Alpert appeared in the 2010 Oscar winning documentary "Inside Job" where he commented on the psychological underpinnings of the financial crisis and he has also been tapped to offer advice on reality TV, including TLC's "My Strange Addiction." His new book, "BE FEARLESS: Change Your Life in 28 Days" is being published by Hachette in April, 2012. The book is also gaining international attention as it is slated to be published in the UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Taiwan, Brazil, China, and Japan. 

Alisa Bowman is a recovering divorce daydreamer and creator of ProjectHappilyEverAfter.com, which was voted one of the Top 10 Marriage Blogs of 2009. She has appeared on Discovery Health, FOX's Ask Dr. Manny Fox, the NBC 10! Show, Better TV, and many others. She has been interviewed by Redbook, First, Pregnancy, CNN.com, Woman's World, iParenting.com, and many other outlets.






 MY REVIEW 
 Be Fearless change your life in 28 days is an interesting book, but I was looking for much more to be included in this book. I thought it might have a Christian view in it. I also didn’t care for how long the authors took to get into the main part of the book. The whole first half was telling about their problems and the problems of others.
   The parts I liked about the book were some of the things they said like “If you retreat, the fear grows stronger. If you face it, the fear grows weaker.” Which is very true. Most all of the points in this book are common sense and most people could figure them out themselves, but I suppose it would help the people that just don’t think that way. I also like where they say “Focus on what you have control over, not on what’s beyond it.”
    Be Fearless has helped me in a few ways like getting me to think about how I feel about different situations. One part that is very important it says “One bad reference in the past gets transferred onto all new experiences, causing fear that can last for years.” That has happened to me. Where so many times nothing bad happens in situations and then you have one time that something bad happens and your mind keeps replaying that one area.
      I think the author, which is a psychotherapist would be great to go to, but this book just doesn’t cut it for me. Maybe some people do better with reading about things, but I need the face to face meetings. I really wouldn’t recommend this book.

 Order from Amazon

 I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Center Street/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. 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

Trinity Rose

The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer * A review and Book certificate GIVEAWAY

ABOUT THE LAST PLEA BARGAIN
Plea bargains may grease the rails of justice, but for Jamie Brock, prosecuting criminals is not about cutting deals. In her three years as assistant DA, she’s never plea-bargained a case and vows she never will. But when a powerful defense attorney is indicted for murder and devises a way to bring the entire justice system to a screeching halt, Jamie finds herself at a crossroads. One by one, prisoners begin rejecting deals. Prosecutors are overwhelmed, and felons start walking free on technicalities. To break the logjam and convict her nemesis, Jamie must violate every principle that has guided her young career. But she has little choice. To convict the devil, sometimes you have to cut a deal with one of his demons.



Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414333218
ISBN-13: 978-1414333212

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned more than 10 legal thrillers and was recently a finalist with John Grisham and Michael Connelly for the inaugural Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal. Randy runs his own law practice and has been named to Virginia Business magazine's select list of "Legal Elite" litigation attorneys. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and civil litigation at Regent Law School and, through his church, is involved with ministry opportunities in India. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his website at www.randysinger.net.


MY REVIEW
  This is the first book I’ve read of Randy Singer’s and I’m so glad I found a new author. This book The Last Plea Bargain was just fantastic.
   I’ve always believed that an author who has been a doctor/nurse, police officer/detective or in this case lawyer make the best author, because they know so much more about their kind of stories than anyone else. They have so many cases they can pull information from. I just love Randy’s book because it seems so real.
  The Last Plea Bargain I couldn’t wait to read it and couldn’t get away from it, but was sad when I read the last page. Characters in books just become your friend and The Last Plea Bargain was that kind of book.
  The Last Plea Bargain is full of suspense and all kinds of twists and turns. I was so very surprised at the ending and what a climatic ending it was. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and read the pages as fast as I could.
  I really thought the concept of The Last Plea Bargain was neat. What would happen if everyone who was caught doing something wrong wanted to go to jail instead of taking a shorter or no sentence if they could provide some needed information to the police. Very interesting.
  The Last Plea Bargain is very strong in words and characters. It isn’t simple or weak, but full of very interesting action.
  This book is the most extraordinary legal thriller I  have read and will definitely read many more of Randy Singer’s books.
A five-star book and one of the best of 2012.

Order from Amazon

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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

THE LAST PLEA BARGAIN book CERTIFICATE
The prize is a certificate valid for one copy of The Last Plea Bargain AND a signed book plate from Randy.  The certificate can be redeemed at the winner’s local Christian bookstore (US only) or through Tyndale (if there is no local store).

Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower  +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE  March 31, 2012

Stuart Brannon's Final Shot by Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly* A Review

ABOUT STUART BRANNON'S  FINAL SHOT
In 1905, at age 58, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon — now a rancher and widower — had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Oregon, nor to participate in a celebrity golf tournament. His life no longer consisted of men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . .gangs preying on the innocent. Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there’s a cover-up going on . . . I’ll contact you there. T.R. How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?



Library Binding: 400 pages
Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611733545
ISBN-13: 978-1611733549
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds


Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) authored 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His book, The Long Trail Home (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, Picture Rock (Crossway Books), The Outlaw’s Twin Sister (Crossway Books), and Last of the Texas Camp (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on California farms owned by his father and an uncle.

Janet Chester Bly has authored and co-authored with Stephen Bly thirty nonfiction and fiction books, including Awakening Your Sense of Wonder, Hope Lives Here, The Heart of a Runaway, The Hidden West Series and The Carson City Chronicles. She lives at 4,000 ft. elev. in Winchester, Idaho. Find out more at http://www.blybooks.com/ or http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/



Russell Bly is married to Lois, father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross), and grandfather of 1-year-old Alayah. He is manager of Deranleau’s department store in Moscow, Idaho.

Michael Bly is married to Michelle and is Director of Business Operations for Inland Cellular in Lewiston, Idaho.

Aaron Bly is married to Rina, father of Keaton and Deckard. He’s Manufacturing Supervisor for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Lewiston, Idaho.

Filled with humor and heart, adventure and romance, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot is the story of a man who embodied the Code of the West. Christy Award–winning author Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) wrote 105 books including six Stuart Brannon novels. In Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, we bid a fond farewell to the character — and to Stephen Bly, his creator.

http://blybooks.com/wordpress/

MY REVIEW
  Stuart Brannon's  Final Shot by Stephen Bly with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly is such a fantastic book. I love it, but I must say it was hard for me to read because it is the last work of Stephen Bly. I’ve been a fan of Stephen and Janet’s for many years. I joined their Yahoo group before there was a group on facebook, etc… So it saddened me to read this book, but also made me happy to have Stephen’s last work. In Stuart Brannon's  Final Shot only 7,000 words were written by Stephen Bly, just before his death, Janet, his dear wife and three sons got together and completed the final book Thanks for doing that Janet and sons. It was put together so well that the scenes and words flow very smoothly.
  The characters were some of the ones from other books of Stephen’s that we loved or hated for years. These characters are strong and very descriptive. The scenes and action were very well written and had me on the edge of my seat.
  I love how Stuart still does the right thing even in the most horrible circumstances. How he believes what the Lord says and goes by the Code of the West.
  I highly recommend this fantastic book. It will end up on your book shelf for sure. A western full of action, adventure, close calls, humor and even romance. A 5-star book and one to be loved.

Order from Amazon

Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. 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

WINNER of the DVD The Woodcarver

go to cindymacbeth 

Who won the DVD The Woodcarver.

It is on the way and I know you will love it.

More giveaways coming soon.

All of you my followers are very special to me.

Have a blessed day.

Love's Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews * A Review

ABOUT LOVE'S SACRED SONG
Standing in the massive shadow of his famous father, young king Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, wisdom and folly. In the uncertain world of alliances and treachery, Solomon longs for peace and a love that is true and pure--a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah remembers the first time she laid eyes on Solomon in Jerusalem when she was just seven years old. Since then she has known that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father, a leader of their tribe, secures a promise from King Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams may come true.

But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon's harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?

Mesu Andrews expertly weaves the words of the Song of Solomon into this touching story of the power of love. Readers will be transported from the glowing fields of Shunem to the gleaming city of Jerusalem as they experience this rich and textured novel from a master storyteller.

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734084
ISBN-13: 978-0800734084

ABOUT MESU ANDREWS
Mesu grew up with a variegated Christian heritage. With grandparents from the Pilgrim Holiness, Nazarene, and Wesleyan Churches, her dad was a Quaker and mom charismatic. As you might imagine, God was a central figure in most family discussions, but theology was a battlefield and Scripture the weapon. As a rebellious teenager, Mesu rejected God and His Word, but discovered Jesus as a life-transforming Savior through the changed life of an old friend.

The desire for God's Word exploded with her new commitment, but devotional time was scarce due to the demands of a young wife and mother. So Mesu scoured the only two theology books available--children's Bible stories and her Bible. The stories she read to her daughters at night pointed her to the Bible passages she studied all day. She became an avid student of God's Word, searching historical and cultural settings as well as ancient texts and original languages.

Just as her daughters have grown and are sharing their own journeys with Jesus, so Mesu's stories have matured through years of study. Harnessing her deep understanding and love for Scripture, Mesu helps others experience God's Word in living color through her biblical novels and devotional studies.

Her debut novel, Love Amid the Ashes, released in March 2011.

MY REVIEW
  This is Mesu Andrews' second novel and the first one I’ve read of hers. This book Love’s Sacred Song was the historical fiction story of Solomon and Arielah’s love story.
  It was quite an interesting story and makes me want to read Solomon and his other books in the Bible again. I like to see if the books of historical fiction I read and the Bible share the same story or close to it.
  Solomon is a very wise King and I’ve always admired him for asking God for wisdom and not wealth, etc…, but I never cared much for his love of women.
Love’s Sacred Song tells of a precious love story between Solomon and Arielah, but she is more special and forgiving than most people. I suppose she just loved Solomon so much that she forgave his every wrong choice.
  If you like love stories and historical fiction and the books of Solomon you will be intrigued with Love’s Sacred Song. I recommend this wonderful story if love and forgiveness. I look forward to more books of Mesu Andrews.

Order from Amazon


I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. 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

A Time to Heal by Seye Oke A Review

ABOUT A TIME TO HEAL
Two worlds collide in a heated battle between past and future.
Chidi must decide between his love for his wife Tori and his call to duty to save his kindred when a civil war threatens to destroy his home. Will this threefold cord stand the test as the realities of a cross cultural marriage dawns? As life happens, these young lovers begin to wonder if they truly understood the gravity of the vows they exchanged on their wedding day..."With this ring I wed thee...Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God".

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press A Division of Thomas Nelson (May 16, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449714145
ISBN-13: 978-1449714147
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Seye Oke is an inspirational writer and published author of Love’s Lie and Debbie’s Diary. Her creative works are usually based on biblical principles told in a contemporary African style. Seye lives in Nigeria with her husband and son and enjoys quiet moments with family and friends.
http://www.seyeoke.com/
Follow her on twitter @seyeoke or www.facebook.com/splendourbooks .

MY REVIEW
  This book was an O.K. book. It told of the life and struggles of a husband-Chidi and wife-Tori newly married, he goes off to war and doesn’t say good bye in person to his wife. She is away at college during the week and he leaves suddenly. How she copes with wondering why he has gone, where he is, even if he is safe.
   I didn’t think the characters and setting were described very well.
To me the story isn’t very believable and didn’t keep my interest. Even through it is a short book, only 188 pages it took me quite a while to read.  I hate to give a review that isn’t really good, but I have a duty to my followers and friends to tell you how I feel.
  I also noticed quite a few grammar mistakes and wording that wasn’t right. I don’t mind one or two mistakes but A Time to Heal had more than that. I didn’t care much for the ending. It ended like I thought it should but not with the same depth of feeling that I think it should have had. I know if this did happen it would be hard for a wife, but I think in the book Tori reacted wrong. I won’t be recommending this book.

Order from Amazon

Thank you to the author/publicists for providing this book for review. 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

The Woodcarver DVD review and GIVEAWAY

WWJD2  The Woodcarver DVD
(releases Tuesday, March 6th)

About the Movie:
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

Actors: Anthony Harrison, Stephen E. Miller, Dakota Daulby
Format: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Nasser
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Run Time: 91 minutes
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
ASIN: B006JN87F2

MY REVIEW
  This is a very good, honest movie. You sometimes wonder why do so many children go the wrong way. A lot of times, but not always we see why. In this movie a young man Matthew vandalizes a church. As soon as you see the parents you know why he did what he did. The parents are constantly fighting and complaining. To the boy things seem impossible. He has no one to turn to.
  The good thing of this movie is Matthew has to help fix up the mess he made. He soon comes to understand and learn many things. When Matthew starts working with the woodcarver he sees the beauty of the wood, sees how he should do things through the saying WWJD {What would Jesus Do}.  Things start to make sense to him and he figures out that he’s not alone in life.
 The DVD is very uplifting and heartwarming, but also sad at the same time.
 This DVD is a very worthy DVD to watch and keep. I highly recommend it.
 

Order from Christian Cinema

Order from Amazon


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

TO WIN YOUR COPY OF THE WOODCARVER DVD HERE IS WHAT YOU DO!
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower  +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE March 15, 2012

WINNER of Mighthy Macs DVD

Go to GrandMaCarolB winner of the DVD

Mighty Macs. You DVD is on the way.

Thanks to everyone who entered another giveaway coming.

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith * A Review

ABOUT SARAI
Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half brother Abram. When Abram finally requests Sarai's hand, she asks one thing--that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return--to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai's womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain--lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram's patience last?

Jill Eileen Smith thrilled readers with The Wives of King David series. Now she brings to life the strong and celebrated wives of the patriarchs, beginning with the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai.


Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734297
ISBN-13: 978-0800734299
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of the the Wives of King David series. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.



MY REVIEW
  Another fantastic book by Jill Eileen Smith. Sarai is the first book in the series Wives of the Patriarchs.
  Jill really has a way with telling a story and she is so good with these historical fiction stories.  You really feel a part of the book and can’t wait to read it from cover to cover.
  There is only one thing I thought could be better and that is the cover of the book Sarai. Sarai was suppose to be one of the most beautiful women ever and I don’t think the cover did her justice.
  I’ve read the story of Abram and Sarai many times and  thought Jill really captured the story and also she really made the characters seem real, as they are, and also they have such depth of feeling.
    I love the way Abram never doubted God’s promises and kept believing even when odds were against them.
  I also really felt more compassion for Hagar than I ever did before. In this book Hagar was a daughter of pharaoh and not just a slave.
  This is a great book. A wonderful way to start a new series. I recommend this book. Another winning book for Jill Eileen Smith.



Order from Amazon


I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. 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