Sheila

The Dreamosphere by Laura Stoddard-Blog Tour Combined Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 252014
 

 

 

The Dreamosphere

Author: Laura Stoddard

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: July 8th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781462114443

Paperback: 208 pages

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

 Book Description:

What if dreams don’t disappear when we wake up? Haunted by her sister’s death, Gwen Stoker takes solace in her web of dreams—the Dreamosphere. But when someone begins destroying it, Gwen must find the culprit—or risk losing all her happy thoughts and feelings forever! Dreams come to life in this fantastical children’s tale!

Sheila’s Review:
 I have always been so intrigued about dreams and what they mean. So this new take on a person’s dreams and where they collect was fascinating. Main character, Gwen, is an interesting 11 year old girl who is quite surly. She seems to be very unhappy and not friendly at all. We soon find out why, as it’s revealed that she feels guilty for her younger sister’s death. The reader also learns early on that Gwen can go to a place called “The Dreamosphere” where all of her dreams are kept. I have to admit that would be a scary thing for me. I don’t like a lot of my dreams that I remember.  Gwen finds out someone is destroying her Dream Orbs, which is making her depressed. It also doesn’t help that she is being bullied at school and being called weird. {One thing that was kind of confusing for me, was that Gwen and the kids at school seemed to be written as teenagers in the way they talk and act with boyfriends/girlfriends and having several different school periods during the day. Gwen is 11 and in Elementary school, so this sometimes threw me off while reading.} One thing I really liked was how this novel subtly deals with some major issues, like death, grief and bullying and I liked the way they were presented and dealt with. As the story moves along, there are some surprising answers to who is messing with Gwen’s dream orbs and her friends. This fantasy suited for tweens and teens  is exciting and sets things up well for another book in the series. I truly liked the ending to this story!

Mindy’s Review

 I enjoyed the idea behind this book, someone has been breaking in to her dreams and changing her personality.  I felt bad for Gwen and all that she has gone through, you can tell right away that something is off with her.  I was glad that the author eased the reader into her life.  I liked the mystery behind her “secret” and what happened to her to make her the way she is.  She is having a hard time in school and when an old friend starts to visit her in her dreams to help her, it seemed to me she wanted to be in the dream world instead of the real world.  I did enjoy the events that take place in the story.  I was happy when she started figuring things out, but thought it was wrapped up too quickly, but was glad when this unhappy girl with no friends, starting getting some answers and was able to make friends and be happy. 

 

EXCERPT

 

“What do you think happens to your dreams after you wake up?”

 

Gwen shrugged distractedly, too disoriented by her sudden arrival in the remarkable setting to focus. “I dunno. They disappear?”

 

The unblinking gray eyes of her young companion flashed as she leaned forward. “Incorrect. Every dream you’ve ever had still exists. All of them. They reside in a dimension called the Dreamosphere. It’s where we are right now, as a matter of fact. Each dream basically exists as its own world, or dream-orb. There are thousands and thousands of them, connected like drops of dew on a gigantic spider web. Every dream you’ve ever had, Gwen. They’re all up here. And you can visit them any time you want.”

 

Author Bio: Laura Stoddard was born in Idaho and spent her formative years running amok in the great outdoors. She received her bachelors degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. After being rejected from the masters program for creative writing she decided that she didn’t need a masters degree to tell her she could write, so she started really dedicating her time to finishing the story she’d started months earlier, with the goal of writing a complete novel, and getting it published. The result is her debut novel, The Dreamosphere, for which her own vivid, bizarre, and incomprehensible dreams provided the inspiration. Laura is an adrenaline junkie and will try anything once–or twice–or maybe three times. She can already check whitewater rafting, going down in a shark cage, and skydiving (three times) off of her list. Oh, and getting Lasik. It was five minutes of terror. She enjoys hiking, rowing, reading classic literature, embarking on new adventures and hobbies, volunteering regularly, and spending time with family. She currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Purchase Links

 Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

Newtimber: Fractured (Book 1) by Karen E. Hoover-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 212014
 
 

Product Details

  • Title: Newtimber: Fractured (Book 1)
  •  Author: Karen E. Hoover
  • File Size: 5276 KB
  • Print Length: 214 pages
  • Publisher: Trifecta Books (June 17, 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
  • Genre: YA  Urban Fantasy
  • ASIN: B00L2X36A0
  • FTC, FYI: Received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

 Book Description:

 There was absolutely no way a black dragon hovered outside of Newtimber. Sianna rubbed her eyes, but the dragon was still there, clutching a round object that looked like a spotted egg. And then the egg fell, hitting the ground like an atomic bomb, sending out waves of a slow-moving fog that distorted everything it touched.

 The citizens of Newtimber change. The old man down the street stretches into a screaming tree. Sianna’s skateboarding friend, Matt, transforms into a giant green dragon. Pegasus. Sirens. Griffins. Vampires. Zombies. Creatures from the myths of every culture come to life through the people.

 Even Sianna changes, her skin becoming stone hard, and she gains the ability to travel from the human realm into the dimension of the fae, using it to free her father from prison and enlist his aid in battling the evil bent on taking over the world. 

 One person to heal a family, a town, and save the world. It seems an impossible task, but with the help of her new friends, it could happen. 

Right?
 Excerpts Teasers From Fractured:
Quote #1: “The green fog seemed to pull itself forward with finger-like tendrils, almost like a hound searching out a smell. It must have caught on to the man because all of the fingers pointed at him. The green stuff gathered and thickened, almost like a cat does when it’s about to pounce, and then pounce it did, completely covering the man. I could hear his screams as he was eaten by the mist.”
 
 Quote #2: “His mouth opened into a scream as his feet rooted first, and then his body leaned forward and his arms reached out, bark racing across his skin like a wave of super-freak ants. His face changed last of all, his mouth still open in the scream as the bark rippled and tore his skin, his eyes and nose fading into knotted wood with a gaping hole left for his mouth.”
 
 Quote #3: “Go ahead and think I’m crazy if it makes you happy, but I saw what I saw. That wasn’t an atomic bomb or a nuclear bomb. It didn’t look right or act right, not like the pictures and movies I’ve seen. It acted intelligent, choosing its victims and pouncing on them. It was slow, like . . . like . . .” I just couldn’t find the words, but wasn’t sure if it was because of adrenaline, fear, or my stupid brain. Frustrated, I stood and spun. “It was like watching pollen moving in the wind, but it’s no kind of pollen I’ve ever seen. It followed me.”
 
 Quote #4: “It’s true!” Austin yelled. “A bad black dragon dropped a bomb and people are turning into the Fae.”
 
 Quote #5: To my left was a large piece of glass, roughly in the shape of a broad knife. I picked it up carefully, settled it in my palm, and then, closing my eyes, I squeezed. Instead of the sharp pain I expected, there was the shatter of glass. I opened my eyes and looked at my hand. My palm was covered with shards. I squeezed it again, watching this time as the glass crushed to powder and trickled between my fingers.
 My Review:
 What is it like reading Fractured? You feel like you are reading a pretty average YA Contemporary book until…main character Sianna looks up to see a black dragon flying into town, it drops a speckled egg and BANG, green mist everywhere, and everything or I should say, EVERYONE changes!! After that,you know that things are bound to get exciting. This book centers around the Fae people, but Hoover writes a very interesting twist on the world of the Fae. It was fun to have things changed up and I know that middle grade and YA readers will like this too.  
Sianna is written as a kick-butt teen who has lived a hard life, and is well written. She is an inspiring protagonist who young girls will really like. The main male protagonist, Matt, turns into a green dragon who becomes a real hero and Sianna’s first boyfriend. Many other friends and family turn into creatures from the mist.It’s exciting as Sianna learns about different dimensions that she can travel between. It seems like you just get into the story when it finishes and of course you want more. I’m so glad that the next book will be coming out soon. This book is the first in a 5 book series.Fractured is an exciting story, with characters that change, grow and learn about love and loyalty. The surprise at the end leads nicely into the next book! 
You Can Purchase Fractured Here…
AMAZON | BARNES And NOBLE |  
Mark to Read at…
GOODREADS

Meet Author Karen E. Hoover:
Karen E. Hoover has loved the written word for as long as she can remember. Her favorite memory of her dad is the time he spent with Karen on his lap, telling her stories for hours on end. Her dad promised he would have Karen reading on her own by the time she was four years old … and he very nearly did. Karen took the gift of words her dad gave her and ran with it. Since then, she’s written two novels and reams of poetry. Her head is fairly popping with ideas, so she plans to write until she’s ninety-four or maybe even a hundred and four. Inspiration is found everywhere, but Karen’s heart is fueled by her husband and two sons, the Rocky Mountains, her chronic addiction to pens and paper, and the smell of her laser printer in the morning.

The first book in Karen’s The Wolfchild Saga, The Sapphire Flute is free right now! Amazon and B & N.

You can learn more about Karen and her books at the following places:

Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore-Blog Tour Review and $25 Giveaway

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 182014
 

 

 

 

 

 

Becoming Lady LockwoodProduct Details

 

  • Title: Becoming Lady Lockwood {A Regency Romance}
  • Author: Jennifer Moore
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (July 1, 2014)
  • Genre: Regency Romance/Historical Romance
  • ISBN-10: 1621086895
  • FTC, FYI: Received a PDF in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

Book Description:
Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she’d never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother’s sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man’s world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry . . . William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia’s marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family’s estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous Lady to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation . . . Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together? 

My Review: 
I’ve wanted to read this book ever since I saw the lovely cover. The female catches your attention with one wary look. The battleship adds to the intrigue. Does the story live up to this beautiful cover? 100% YES! Jennifer Moore has written characters that are likable, and they light up the whole novel. It doesn’t take long to be totally captivated by Captain William Drake, First Mate Sidney, Dr. Spinner, the cook Slushy and of course the old man Tobias, who takes Amelia under his wing. Amelia is a strong, loving and independent woman for her time. She wins people over by being kind and caring. She is the perfect heroine! 

This Regency Romance is different from others I’ve read lately. Most of the novel takes place on the English battleship Venture. Moore gives such great details about the working of a ship. I was so impressed with the research she did! I learned a lot in this historical novel. 

How did I know that this book would become one of my favorites? Because it made me cry.Yes, halfway through the book I was sitting on my couch and crying. The hopeless situation that Captain Drake, Amelia, and the crew find themselves in filled me with such intense emotions. All I could do was sit and cry…for a long time. After taking a nice break from the tension and suspense in the book, I was able to see the words and keep reading. Also, the Romantic tension turns into true, “my heart is fluttering” Romance! We all have our favorite sigh-worthy heroes, and now we have Captain William Drake. Becoming Lady Lockwood played out like a movie in my mind. 

This first published novel by Jennifer Moore gets 5 stars from me! I will rush to pick up anything else that this talented author writes. 

Praise for Becoming Lady Lockwood

“Moore does a lovely job of showcasing sizzle in this must-read for fans of regency and historical romance.” ~ Foreword Reviews

 

 Purchase Becoming Lady Lockwood here…

 

Jenny Moore

Meet Author Jennifer Moore 
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance, helping her find balance with the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family. You can learn more about her at authorjmoore.com. The author’s first book, Becoming Lady Lockwood, is a regency romance centered on the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.  

 You can find Jennifer Moore here…

 

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/7/14 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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway 

I know that I should only post one of the excerpts from the novel, but I LOVED it so much I felt compelled to post both excerpts. Enjoy reading them! 

Excerpt #1
William placed his right hand on the small of her back and pulled gently with his left hand, leading her in a simple series of steps, which she quickly mastered. She focused her eyes on the captain’s shoulder where her hand rested tentatively. He moved lightly, but her movements were stiff. She was afraid of relaxing when he was practically holding her in his arms. After a few turns around the room, Amelia felt her tension ease. The music was beautiful, and Captain Drake had a way of drawing her across the floor as if she was floating. When she finally braved a glance at his face, she met his eyes, and her nervousness returned. “And is your punishment so dreadful, Miss Becket?” he asked. “I have yet to see you smile.” Amelia allowed herself a small smile. “It is a very nice punishment indeed, sir. Is it one you utilize regularly?” “Perhaps I shall, if you believe it will keep the men in line.” Amelia laughed. “I do not know what they would think if you waltzed with each sailor who failed in his duty.” “I imagine it should be quite effective at discouraging rule breaking, don’t you?” William looked thoughtful, as if considering the idea. “Perhaps. Until some of the men develop a taste for waltzing. You might begin to worry when the same men continually require discipline.” William laughed. Amelia had only heard his laugh a very few times and found she quite liked it. Especially knowing she was the one who had inspired it. She also realized that the sound had caused her heart to trip ever so slightly, and to her dismay, she found that she quite liked that as well. She lowered her eyes, suddenly finding the gold buttons on the captain’s coat fascinating. She was extremely aware of the captain’s arm, the way it wrapped around her, and his hand resting on her lower back. The hand that held hers was strong, and she felt each movement of his fingers and the subtle tightening around her own hand. And had he always had such a pleasant smell? 

Excerpt #2
He finally stopped and pulled his chair closer to her, raising her chin. “Amelia. I cannot begin to thank you for what you did. It was brave and brilliant, and it terrifies me to think that you put your life at risk for—” “For my shipmates, Captain.” She kept her eyes lowered. “I would never have forgiven myself if anything had happened to you.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. “I would never have forgiven myself if I had not tried. These men, this ship, it has become . . . I care for them, William, for all of you.” He raised her chin even higher, so that she was forced to lift her gaze his face. He stared at her for a moment. Then his eyes dropped to her lips, and Amelia’s pulse began to race. Would he kiss her again? They sat, frozen for a heartbeat, and then William stood, stealing with him all of the warmth in the room.

Diary of An Angel by Michael Farnsworth-Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 172014
 

 

 

Product Details

 

  • Title: Diary of an Angel
  •  Author: Michael M. Farnsworth
  • Paperback: 162 pages
  • Publisher: Martindale Press (October 9, 2013)
  • Genre: Fiction
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0615866018
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:
Forenica has never guarded anyone before, let alone been responsible for a soul. All that changes when she joins the ranks of heaven’s angels as a Junior Guardian. Her first assignment seems simple enough; her charge, Angela Higgins, seems too perfect to have any real struggles. She could scarcely have been more mistaken. Forenica learns quickly that helping Angela make it back to heaven is no trivial undertaking. Soon after Forenica’s assignment, Angela’s family suffers an unexpected crisis, which threatens to destroy her marriage and to snuff out her faith. As the situation grows more desperate, Angela also struggles to hold on to her wayward teenage daughter. Feeling powerless to help, Forenica seeks for answers to Angela’s problems in the annals of heaven. There Forenica uncovers secrets that will change both their lives forever. But in the end an unexpected angel will provide Angela the miracle she needs.

My Review:
Let me start my review by saying, I do believe in angels. Before I ever read this book I’ve felt that angels live among us and help us day by day. So reading this story about Guardians Angels was a true pleasure. The author portrays Heaven exactly as I hope it will be. I loved the idea of people that have passed on being assigned as guardian angels. The story is about one such soul, Forenica, who is not assigned a baby like usual, but is instead assigned a grown woman, Angela, with many troubles in her life. Forenica’s assignment is to help her through the struggles of life and to return safely to Heaven one day. 

This story is so touching and heartfelt. It also has a level of angst and suspense as the reader wonders if Forenica will truly be able to help Angela with her problems. There are some sticky moments where Satan’s army looks like it will win.The thing that I’ll remember most about this book, is that we can receive help from Heaven. We are not struggling here by ourselves. There were so many moments in this book that brought me to tears. You will be drawn to the wonderfully written characters, the angels and the humans on Earth. This sweet story is one that you will want to share with those who need a “pick-me-up” from the drudgery of life. Whatever religion you participate in, if you believe in God and angels, this book will be an inspiring read for you.
  

Author Q&A

 

Where did you come up with the idea for Diary of an Angel?

I think the idea really began to take shape (ironically) during a re-read of The Screwtape Letters. As I considered the opposite side of that story—heaven’s fight for souls—the whole idea of guardian angels came alive. And the more I thought and pondered on it, the more I felt there was a story that needed to be told. Sadly, C.S. Lewis never tackled that story. So, readers have to settle for mine.

 

 

Do you really believe angels are so involved in our lives?

God’s miracles and dealings in our lives are for all who have the eyes to see them. Those who honestly and humbly look for God’s blessings, will see them—more and more. That has been true in my own life. And no more so than when I was writing this story. The real message here is that heaven is involved in the nitty-gritty details of our lives. Whether that involvement comes from actual guardian angels, God’s spirit, the scriptures, a sunrise, a baby’s laugh, or some angelic earthy friend, it doesn’t matter. Because the end-goal is the same.

Do you think heaven is really like you depict in your story?

Yes and no. Yes, because God would surely pattern our world after his own. If you were to build a house for your children, you’d probably build one like your own, wouldn’t you? And No, because I have no doubt that the beauty of heaven will supersede anything that anyone could possibly fathom in mortality. In that regard, I’m not worried about a reader of my book ever approaching me in heaven to tell me I got my depiction of heaven all wrong. Because the real thing will be infinitely better than my vision; no one will care that I got it wrong. The important thing for me is that readers feel heaven as they read. That feeling if far more important that the visual picture painted in the reader’s mind. I obviously took some creative liberties in my depiction. I did this mainly for me, to help me show a fun and interesting heaven—not a puffy white cloud of boredom. Heaven is not boring, I’m confident of that.

 

 

Where did the name Forenica come from?

When I first began planning the story, I believed the name had originated from my head. But I’ve been told that it’s actually a real name–a surname, to be precise. I haven’t bothered to research into this myself. The name came to me some time before I even conceived any story involving angels. At that time I intended to use the name in a different story. But, I wrote Diary of an Angel first. The name was handy and I liked it, so I decided to use it for my protagonist. Generally speaking, it’s not advisable to use unusual names. They can distract the reader from the story. In the case of Forenica, I like to think that the name fits well for the character. My hope is that most readers will form their own image of Forenica’s appearance, without being influenced by the Sarah’s, Emma’s, or Jane’s they happen to know. (All three excellent names, by the way.)

 

 

Will we see Forenica again?

I hope so. For me, a story has to kind of incessantly ask me to write it. If it doesn’t, my heart won’t be in the story. And that would just not do. I do have a few ideas swimming around in my head, though. Not necessarily involving Forenica, but heaven and her angels. It may be some time, though. So, I plead for patience from my kind readers.

Meet Author Michael M. Farnsworth:


Michael M. Farnsworth holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University. A degree that comes in handy if you’re a software engineer, which he is, but not so much if you’re a writer. As a native Texan, he should know lots about riding horses and herding cattle–but he doesn’t. He does, however, know a good deal about wrangling small children. He has four of them. When he’s not wrangling children, writing code or writing books, he’s probably building something. He lives with his wife and children in Seattle, WA.

To learn more about Michael and his work find him at Twitter,  Facebook,  and at his Website. 

****His new book Haladras was just released this month! It looks REALLY good!! *****

 

 

 

 

A desert planet. A dangerous secret.

 

 

 When Skylar’s enigmatic uncle warns him to stay away from the mysterious winged insects that have been sighted on other planets, he thinks little of it; no one has seen the insects on their own planet of Haladras. His uncle knows more than he’s telling, though. The creatures are not insects, but machines. And they’re hunting for Skylar. Only after Skylar narrowly escapes capture and flees Haladras with his uncle does he learn the whole truth. What his uncle reveals will shatter Skylar’s world and thrust him into a conflict that will force him to become more than a mere boy of fifteen. 

Go check it out on Amazon.com. or visit www.haladras.com

Torn Canvas by Donna K. Weaver-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 192014
 

 

Title: TORN CANVAS(Safe Harbors, #2)

Author: Donna K. Weaver

Release Date: May 28, 2014

Pages: 376

Find it: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Genre: Fiction | Adventure | Contemporary Romance

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast. Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared. The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, Olivia has to free his heart and heal the beast.

Donna K. Weaver is a Navy brat who joined the Army and has lived in Asia and Europe. Because she sailed the Pacific three times as a child, she loves cruising and wishes she could accrue enough vacation time to do more of it with her husband.  Donna and her husband have six children and eight grandchildren who live all over the world.  At fifty, Donna decided to study karate and earned her black belt in Shorei Kempo.  After recording city council minutes for twenty years, Donna decided to write something a little longer and with a lot more emotion–and kissing.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website   Pinterest | YouTube | Google+

 

 

June 16th – Sweetly Clean Romance– Review/Excerpt  June 16th –Gamila’s Review  – Review  June 16h – Cindy M. Hogan– Review/Playlist  June 17th –Peering Into– Review  June 17th – Krista Wayment– Guest Post  June 17th – Laura D. Bastian – Review  June 17th – Christy Dorrity Author – Interview  June 18th – Leigh Covington– Interview/Highlight  June 18th – Canda’s Ink Blast – Review  June 18th – Diann T. Read– Spotlight  June 18th – Meetings With My Muse– Spotlight  June 18th –Medeia Sharif– Top Ten/ Spotlight  June 18th – Bookish – Playlist/Top Ten  June 19th – Lucinda Whitney – Review/Interview  June 19th – YA Author Elana Johnson– Interview  June 19th – Why Not? Because I Said So – Review  June 19th – Jordan McCollum – Spotlight/GP  June 20th – Feather Pens, Tartan Dreams – Review/Guest Post  June 20th – Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters– Review  June 20th – Author Brooke Williams– GP/Spotlight  June 20th – Wordpaintings Unlimited– Spotlight  June 20th – Mins Reads and Reviews– Review  June 20th –Meredith Mansfield – Review

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My Review:

I really liked the first book in this series called, A Change of Plans. There was a little of everything, adventure, romance, and angst. Torn Canvas has all of that too. Right now I want to say, please read the first book in the series. This second book will make so much more sense. Also, it will help the reader understand why main character, Jori, is going through what he is. It also was great to have a bond with the characters because of reading the first book.

 

I was happy to get to know Jori better. In the first book he sometimes came across as a shallow, ladies man. There is so much more to his character than that. It was great to go along on this journey of physical and emotional renewal with Jori. Donna does a wonderful job with her characters. I also loved getting to know Olivia. There was so much more depth to her as the story went along. 

 

Torn Canvas will take you on an emotional journey where you will feel the satisfaction of seeing people grow and learn to love. I recommend this story to lovers of romance.

Body Image Breakthrough: Learning to See Your Body and Your Beauty in a Whole New Light by Jaci Wightman-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 132014
 

 

 

 

 

Product Details

 

  • Title: Body Image Breakthrough: Learning to See Your Body and Your Beauty in a Whole New Light
  •  Author: Jaci Wightman
  • Paperback: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (June 10, 2014)
  • Genre Non-Fiction/Self Help
  • ISBN-10: 1462114385
  • FTC, FYI: Received a pdf copy in exchange for an honest review. 
  • Review by Sheila

Book Description:
Stop sacrificing to the idol of the perfect woman. Body Image Breakthrough cuts through the fad diets and pop psychology to find the root of women’s body image issues. Free yourself from negative body image and live each day as Heavenly Father intended, wrapped in the soul-healing beauty of the Lord.

My Review:
 I’ve been reading several books about body image lately, and frankly I’ve needed this. From the very beginning of chapter one I knew that this book would have the messages I needed to hear. Jaci’s voice is friendly and personal. You feel like you are talking to your best friend. One of the best things I loved about this book is the “Additional Study” information that reviews what the chapter talked about and gives you a small assignment to look up additional scriptures in the Bible, Book of Mormon and other scripture. I really liked this time to reflect more on what the scriptures had to say about beauty and image.

 Here are more of the highlights from the book that will stay with me.

 

 

“It all comes down to this: if we’re trying to glorify ourselves
through our outward appearance, we’re walking a dead-end road
that will only lead to more emptiness and heartache. Truth is,
there’s only One who can fill our hearts with the acceptance and
love we’ve been longing for. There’s only One who can offer us
the satisfying and abundant fruit of the tree of life. It’s a kind of
nourishment that the world can’t even begin to imitate. But we
can only partake of this fruit if we quit looking to other people to
fill us and devote ourselves instead to seeking the acceptance and
affirmation of the Lord.”

 

 

 

“Could it be the adversary has convinced us that the only way
to feel “secure, affirmed, and valuable” is to gain the acceptance of
our peers? Could it be that we dress for the eyes of others in order
to “fill a hole”? Maybe it’s time for us to learn where our true value
comes from. Maybe it’s time to turn our backs on the seductive
voices coming from the great and spacious building.”

 

 

 

 
“Deep down, I knew there had to be a way to find balance.
There had to be a way to honor my God-given desire for beauty
without bowing down before the image of the world. Walking
away from the image couldn’t mean walking away from physical
attractiveness altogether. Instead, the answer had to involve learning
and internalizing how the Lord understood outward—not just
inward—beauty. I knew Christ didn’t view a woman’s appearance
through the lens of the world, but I certainly did. For the most
part, what the world saw as beautiful, I saw as beautiful, and what
the world shunned, I shunned. What I needed most was a body
image breakthrough. A radical change of heart. I needed the Lord
to completely re-frame the way I looked at physical beauty.”

 
 Here is one of my favorite things that Jaci said is her book…

” Please believe me when I say that if you’ll simply allow the
Lord to lead you through the transformation process, you’ll discover
a new place to live—a place where you’ll actually rejoice in
your physical body. It’s a place where you’ll find the ability to
master your appetite; where your weight will settle in at a healthy
level; and where all obsessive thinking will finally cease. Best of all,
it’s a place where you’ll come to know the beauty and splendor of
Christ, and how it applies to your individual body. I promise, it’s a
place unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.”

 How I wish I could share more with you, but as you can see, this book will truly change the way you think about yourself in many respects. I hope that all LDS women and teens will read this book. I know that lives will be changed, as minds and hearts assimilate this message of letting the Lord and his words help with their body image breakthrough. 

 Purchase at…

 

 

 

  Meet Author Jaci Wightman:

 

A first-time author, Jaci Green Wightman (pronounced JAY-see) was raised in five different states before meeting her husband, Greg, during her freshman year of college. Together, they’re now enjoying the daunting task of raising seven children born in just eight years. In 2012, Jaci finally graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in University Studies, 21 years after postponing her schooling to start a family. Underneath all her outward busyness, however, Jaci is simply an ordinary woman who discovered an extraordinary Savior. Her greatest joy lies in teaching and testifying of the One who not only changed her heart, but radically transformed her entire life.
Go HERE to learn more about Jaci and her book.

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