Finished Being Fat by Betsy Schow – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jan 072013
 

Finished Being Fat: An Accidental Adventure in Losing Weight and Learning to Finish

Author: Betsy Schow

Publisher: Cedar Fort Books

Published: January 2013

Softcover; 144 pages

Genre: Health & Lifestyle

ISBN# 978-1462111251

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free PDF review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Not everyone can win the race, but everyone can finish it. In her quest to wish away an extra 75 pounds, Betsy changed her life for good. Using her Philosophy of Finishing, she snowballed her efforts from weight loss into a bucket list of seemingly impossible dreams. This inspiring account of one woman’s journey will help you find the strength to conquer your most daunting goals and unfinished projects.

Review

I don’t know Betsy but after reading her book I can tell we would get along famously. I wasn’t sure quite what to expect when I picked up Finished Being Fat. As I read I realized that this was a motivating story about one woman’s journey to finish what she started and not a “diet” book.

I love Betsy’s casual, honest voice. I laughed several times and read many paragraphs to my husband. I related to so much that Betsy wrote, from initial fear of joining a class at the gym and discovering incredible support from my classmates to realizing as I looked at childhood photos of myself that things weren’t as bad as I thought they were at the time.

While I have never aspired to complete a marathon (a 12-minute mile would make me deliriously happy at this point), I admire Betsy for following through with her goal to do just that. Through examples she shares and her lessons learned, I know I don’t have to complete something like a marathon or do something better or faster than someone else for what I finish to be of value, that it’s my attitude and the follow through that makes all the difference.

Every year I choose one little word (via Ali Edwards) to be my motivation for the year. Ironically, my one little word for last year was FINISH. Only I didn’t actually finish anything that I initially set out to do. As the new year approached and I considered what word to choose for 2013 I thought long and hard about why I failed to finish any of what I had planned to complete in 2012.

When Betsy mentioned “starter’s high” I knew exactly what she was talking about. I love the excitement of starting something new but boredom, fear, insecurity, or life always got in the way. I soon realized that I was letting perfectionism and fear hold me back. So I chose COURAGE as my one little word for 2013. Courage to be imperfect. Courage to recognize insecurity and overcome it. Courage to leave behind things that really don’t matter. Courage to FINISH.

I enjoyed every minute I spent reading Finished Being Fat. It’s a quick read full of honesty and humor. I highly recommend it to everyone whether you have struggled with weight issues or not. The subject matter goes beyond health and fitness, encouraging readers to experience the sense of accomplishment and self-worth that comes with finishing what you start.

Visit Betsy: BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+

Find Finished Being Fat: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS 

 

Blog Tour Review of, The Dark Eagles First Flight, by David R. Smith

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 042013
 

Product Details

  • Title: The Dark Eagles:First Flight 
  • Author: David R. Smith
  • Hardcover: 286 pages
  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing; First Edition edition (May 7, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0615571328
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615571324

 

Book Description:

“The book was wonderfully written. It is a book for all ages and gender. Boys may like that it is from a young man’s point of view with all the adventure. I enjoyed the character development and the friendships formed from the adversity they faced.”

The Book Rack, Arcadia, CA
 
Kief loves exploring the rugged mountains on his horse, Natch, with his
best friend Tarc.  But when he receives a mysterious map on his birthday,
left behind for him by his dead grandfather, Kief is thrown into an
adventure beyond even his imagination.

Leaving home to pursue his childhood dream of attending the merchant
academy on the coast, extraordinary events unfold propelling Kief, along
with his friends and his map, toward the same perilous destiny.

My Review:
The beginning of the story is a little slow, but many pieces are being set in place. Once the main character, Kief, leaves to attend academy, then things start moving quickly. Kief’s country is attacked and the adventure begins. Kief is a strong young male character that exhibits strength, courage and standing up for what he believes in. I couldn’t help but think what a good example this character is for young people today. The other supporting characters, all of Kief’s friends that happen to be males and females, compliment him, and help in this quest to free his country from the occupying enemy, The Gars. They are great characters, flawed in their own ways, but all very relatable to teens. They had good friendly, relationships, so the dialogue was often fun as they teased each other amidst the great challenge they were facing.

I’m so excited to let my kids, 10 and 14 read this book. The only warning I’ll give, is that there is some violence, of people being beaten up and at the climax when people are killed. None of it is gratuitous, or too graphic, but as this is about a war,  it goes along well with the amazing ending of this book. You will be holding your breath as the youth undergo a grand scheme to battle the enemy. The books ends with a shocking, but happy, announcement that leads into book two.

This book will be a great read for tweens and teens that like books about adventure, friendship and going after your dreams.David R. Smith has written a book that will keep you on the edge and leave you wanting more.

Purchase The Dark Eagles Take Flight here at Amazon.

“Author David R. Smith does a fine job with his dialogue, which flows smoothly and wittily throughout. His interactions between characters are genuine, and the portrayals of his young female characters in particular are refreshing.”
The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT
About the Author: David R. Smith
David was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and spent most of his childhood on
a farm in Heber City, located in the Wasatch Mountains. He loved exploring
the mountains on his horse looking for adventures to follow. Growing up,
he wanted to be a movie director and used his own Super 8 camera to make
silent movies with his friends and brothers and sister. Instead he earned
a Bachelors in Engineering at the University of Utah. While there, he met
the love of his life, Jenelle, and they were blessed with three amazing
sons: Josh, Tate, and Porter. David later earned his Masters in Business
Administration from Northwestern University and pursued a path in the
corporate world. But his creative side continued to tug at him for years
until finally through the encouragement of his wife and boys, he realized
that it’s never too late to follow your dream. So David set off to write
an epic adventure of a boy and his horse and created a story of freedom,
adventure, love, courage and sacrifice. When he’s not writing, David
enjoys outdoor activities with his family, and especially loves surfing
with his three boys in Southern California where he resides.

Visit the website: http://www.thedarkeagles.com/

Blog Tour Schedule for The Dark Eagles: First Flight
12/5/12       www.ordinaryhappilyeverafter.com
12/6/2012    http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
12/7/2012    http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
12/10/2012    http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
12/11/2012    http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/
12/12/2012    http://www.tanyaparkermills.com/
12/13/2012    http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
12/14/2012    http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com/
12/17/2012    http://renaeswritespot.blogspot.com/
12/18/2012    http://www.rashelleworkman.com/
12/19/2012    http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com/
12/20/2012    http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

12/28/2012   http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com
1/2/2013    http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
1/3/2013   http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/
1/4/2013    http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
1/4/2013   http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
1/5/2013    www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com
1/7/2013   http://rebeccablevinswrites.blogspot.com/
1/8/2013   http://www.inksplasher.blogspot.com/  
1/9/2013
1/10/2013
1/11/2013
1/15/2013 http://kbrebes.blogspot.com/  

Third Time’s the Charm by Heather B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 192012
 

Third Time’s the Charm (An Aliso Creek Novella)

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: December 7th, 2012

ebook: 60 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series

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

In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz’s rose-colored glasses fell off and shattered on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She’s sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she’s dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.

My Review

This novella is very close to perfect. It has great characters that you care about quickly, and an all around fantastic story. Liz is an adorable character that had me smiling with her funny quirks. I laughed when she would text Gemma (part of the Five) for pep talks. I loved Sloane instantly. I really liked how he was with Paisley, Liz’s daughter.  This fun short story has a surprising twist that I really enjoyed. I hope there are updates on these great characters in future novellas (hint hint).

5 out of 5 stars. Third Time’s the Charm is a quick, fun read that had me wanting more. Gemma’s story, Picture Perfect, is next up and it will be in A Timeless Romance Anthology — Spring Vacation Anthology coming in February 2013. This anthology will feature short stories from Heather, Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Aubrey Mace, and Sarah M. Eden. I can’t wait! All of the “Five” friends will have their own story in the Aliso Creek Novella series coming in 2013.

Author Links

Fan Facebook Page / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Smashwords

After Hello by Lisa Mangum

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 172012
 

After Hello

Author: Lisa Mangum

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: September 2012

Hardcover; 272 pages

Genre: Contemporary YA

ISBN# 978-1-60907-010-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

First Line

“I shouldn’t have noticed him.”

Summary

What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Review

After Hello is different than anything I’ve read before. Each chapter alternates between Sara, written in 1st person point-of-view, and Sam, written in 3rd person point-of-view. This actually works wonderfully. The transitions from chapter to chapter felt seamless. I found myself looking forward to seeing what either Sara or Sam had to say in their chapter about what had happened in the previous chapter.

Sara and Sam are both very likable. The other characters all had depth and personality. The plot, the setting, and the characters all felt real and believable. The story drew me in and I kept turning pages, wanting to know more about Sam and Sara.

I really liked how After Hello ended. While I may be in the minority here, I would be okay if Lisa never wrote a sequel. I like the idea of leaving limitless possibilities open to Sam and Sara and leaving it at that. However, if she were to write a sequel I would definitely read it.

After Hello is clean contemporary YA fiction that, though I already knew it would be good, ended up being even better than I expected. I recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Visit Lisa: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find After Hello: GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK | DESERET BOOK 

**LDSWBR featured Lisa and After Hello in the Countdown to Christmas 2012 HERE.**

 

 

Review and Giveaway for Open Adoption, Open Heart by Russell Elkins

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 142012
 
Tour Schedule

 

 Product Details:
  • Title: Open Adoption, Open Heart:An Adoptive Fathers Inspiring Journey
  • Author: Russell Elkins
  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Aloha Publishing (May 21, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 161206034X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612060347
  • FTC: FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:Open Adoption, Open Heart

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.
 Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.

My Review:

This book took me down memory lane. I went through much of the same process as the author when we adopted our first child. Our adoption was open to a certain extent, but not quite as open as the author’s experience. We also had fewer problems with the birth parents. But we did experience many of the same emotions that you go through as you wait for that long-awaited child. I agree with the author when he told of how people think adopting is the “easy” way to get children. Having had the opportunity to be blessed with children through adoption and giving birth, I have to say that they were both hard in their own ways.

Russell tells a wonderful story of how they persevered to finally be blessed with a child. As a reader you get very involved in their story and anxiously await to see how things will turn out. Even though this is a non-fiction story about real people, it reads like a novel where you are glued to the pages. Any reader will love reading about Russell and his wife’s journey to become parents. Those considering adoption or those who have adopted will also truly enjoy and benefit from reading Open Adoption, Open Heart.

 

Purchase

From the Author: While my book’s primary audience was thought to be those hoping to adopt, close to half of the books I’ve sold are simply people who want to read about our story and how adoption is different now than it used to be- and they have not adopted nor do they plan to adopt.

About the Author:

Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family movedaway from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood hometown. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.

Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.

Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.
Links

Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Russell Elkins

Ends 12/23/12

Open to anyone 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’s permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/open-heart-open-adoption-blog-tour.html

inDIVISIBLE by Ryan Hunter

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 132012
 

inDIVISIBLE

Author: Ryan Hunter

Publisher: self

Published: September 1, 2012

ISBN13: 9781479215409

Genre: YA Dystopian

FTC FYI: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Brynn Aberdie had everything: a loving family, security and an electronic implant that monitored every move.

Brynn had everything but freedom.

When her father’s life is taken Brynn vows to find that freedom, but it’s a task that puts her life at stake. She’s tagged as a terrorist and put on an Alliance kill list, forcing her to leave her home and become the rebel they already believe her to be.

Brynn learns a lesson many in One United have already learned – by failing to protect they’re rights, Citizens have forfeited their lives with little hope to ever recover their own identities.

My Review

Brynn Aberdie returns home to find security vehicles outside her entry door. Her father has been killed by terrorists. She has many questions and doesn’t know where to get answers. While she is in mourning, she receives a coded message from someone from her past. T finds Brynn and he tells her her life in One United is not what she thinks it is. Her whole life is being watched and recorded.

I really enjoyed reading inDIVISIBLE. The characters were strong and liked the journey the story took. A couple times, though, I thought the pacing could have been faster, with some scenes being cut down a little. However, it did not effect how I felt about the story. Brynn is a great character, who learns a lot about herself during her journey for freedom. I am hoping there is a sequel planned. The ending was exciting, but sad.

4 out of 5 stars. This is Ryan Hunter’s second book.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

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