The Emerald Ring (Cleopatra’s Legacy) by Dorine White-Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
May 242013
 

 

emerald-ring-cover-finalProduct Details

  • Title: The Emerald Ring (Cleopatra’s Legacy)
  • Author: Dorine White
  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (May 14, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1462111335
  • FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Publication Date: May 14, 2013 | Series: Cleopatra’s Legacy
Sara Bogus’s life turns upside down when she discovers an emerald ring that once belonged to Cleopatra. The fun of discovering the ring’s unique abilities turns to fear when she finds out a dangerous cult bent on restoring Rome to power is after the ring. Forced to choose between keeping the ring and saving her friends, Sara learns the price of bravery in this electrifying read!
My Review:
The Emerald Ring is such a great Middle Grade book. This is a book I would love to read to my school kids and my kids at home. My daughter almost stole it from me when she read the title and saw it was about Cleopatra. She loves Egypt and anything having to do with Egypt. Even though she is a mid-teen, I know that she will love this story.It has mystery, adventure,intrigue and everything you love in a fantasy book.
Main character Sara is a typical 12 year old girl, though she does happen to find an emerald ring of her Grandmothers that… just happened to belong to Cleopatra. Then thieves come looking for the emerald. I liked how she had her problems, but that didn’t stop her from doing the things she should do and remaining a true friend. My favorite aspect of Sara were the dreams she had at night. She often would see things through the eyes of a cat. I am a cat owner and the author did a very good job of how a cat would see things. What a fun concept!
This book is a winner on so many levels. As a teacher I love how it explores aspects of history. I know kids between the ages of 7-14 will really love this book. Even this old kid enjoyed reading The Emerald Ring. I can’t wait to see what else comes next in the series as Cleopatra’s other jewels are brought into the story.
You can purchase this book here…

Dorine White

Best Price $8.06
or Buy New $10.00

About the Author

Dorine White graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Humanities and Art History. She began writing at a young age, proudly producing picture books for her parents. Now, her writing has turned into a passion for children’s books. Currently she lives in the beautiful yet rainy Northwest, with her husband and six children.

Author on Facebook          Author’s Website          Author on Twitter

Why I Don’t Lose Weight by Dr. Wilfred Aguila -Blog Tour Review-

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Podcasts, Sheila's Reviews
May 172013
 

Lose weight51AKXC0FQwL._SY300_Product Details

  • Paperback: 133 pages
  • Publisher: Bookmarks Publishing; 1ST edition (2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0983596638

Book Description

Publication Date: 2012
A unique perspective to the battle of the bulge. Dr. Aguila gets to the heart of the struggle with weight loss, then gives practical solutions for overcoming that struggle and losing weight for good. Wonderfully clear and simple steps to permanent better health from a physician who has lived it.
My Review:
 I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I have read countless book on losing weight. This is the first book that has truly touched something in me. It didn’t focus on the “hows” to lose weight, but on understanding obesity and discovering the reasons we fail.
I also really liked how this book focused on making a lifestyle change. Dr. Aguila says right at the beginning, “Weight loss must coincide with a firm commitment to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.” 
Another fabulous reminder for me that Dr. Aguila teaches in his book is this, “You can’t be all things to all people.You have to take care of yourself first in order to be there for others. ‘Sacrificing” yourself for your family is admirable, but what is going to happen to them when they don’t have you?” I wrote down…”WOW! Great Reminder!!” on the side of the page when I read this.
Here are the chapter titles of the book. I wanted to include this in my review so you could truly see how different and wonderful this book is!
  1. Knowing Why You Fail
  2. The Cycle of Obesity
  3. Rotations of the Cycle
  4. Controlling Anxiety
  5. Understanding Guilt
  6. Failing to Break the Cycle
  7. The Perfectionist Pattern
  8. Psychological Phases of Obesity
  9. Don’t Choose a Diet, Choose a Transition
  10. Here’s To Your Health
  11. Your Goal Is The Secret to Success
  12. Unhealthy Habits and Vices
  13. The Real You
  14. Conquer the Cycle
  15. Pulling Out The Root Cause

I’m so excited to use this book in helping me get and stay healthy, physically and mentally. Thank you so much Dr. Aguila!! I highly endorse this book for those wanting to get to the “real” reason why being healthy and conquering the obesity cycle has been evading them.

Other Reviews

“Why I Don’t Lose Weight! is a refreshing and original look at the root causes that keep you trapped in an emotional eating cycle. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with his or her weight.” – John Gray, PhD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

“Dr. Aguila’s book Why I Don’t Lose Weight offers a heart-felt, compassionate approach to understanding weight loss. This is not a diet book or a book of quick fixes. Instead it shows you practical ways to change from the inside out.” — Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author of Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason

“Dr. A does a fantastic job of explaining how the Cycle of Obesity keeps you trapped and, more importantly, he helps you get out of it!” –Dr. Mike Dow, Author of Diet Rehab And Co-Host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters, CoHost of VH1’s Couple’s Therapy

“Why I Don’t Lose Weight is spot on! In it, Dr. A uncovers the real reasons why obesity seems so hard to cure. This book treats the cause, not the symptoms, empowering readers to lose weight, and more important, to keep it off for good!” – Max Bolka, Co-Author: Success is a State of Mind; Co-Star: The Keeper of the Keys.

 Buy the book HERE:

M.D. Wilfred Aguil…

Best Price $5.17
or Buy New

Buy from Amazon.com

 More About the Author

Wilfred Aguila

Biography

Wilfred Aguila, M.D. is a native of Florida and has served communities in Florida since he graduated from the University Of Miami School Of Medicine in 1991.

In Tampa, Dr. Aguila completed his surgical residency at the University of South Florida in 1996 and was Chief Resident in Surgery from 1995 to 1996. Dr. Aguila has been in surgical practice for sixteen years and specializes in Bariatric surgery. He founded Surgical Bariatric Centers, LLC which has grown from one office in Tampa to several offices across Central Florida.

Struggling for almost a decade with his own weight problem, Dr. Aguila gained a personal understanding about the process of losing weight. He remembers his battle with binge eating and the lessons he learned that allowed him to finally break the cycle of overeating. He shares with his patients these lessons so that they may break their own Cycles.

Dr. Aguila is an author,nationally syndicated radio show host, and highly sought after national obesity expert. He has appeared on numerous morning TV shows and a regular expert segment on Telemundo. Dr. Aguila is the host of the popular Dr. A Radio show. He is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post as well as other publications.

Through his motivational speaking engagements, Dr. A touches the lives of those suffering with serious weight problems and empowers them with the knowledge that they need to win their struggle.

Dr. Aguila is currently listed in Guide to America’s Top Surgeons and Top Doctors. Dr. A is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Leona and Me, Helen Marie by Lu Ann Brobst Staheli-Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
May 102013
 

WEB-Staheli-LeonaNMeFINALfrontProduct Details

  • Title: Leona & Me, Helen Marie (A Small Town U.S.A. Novel)
  • Author:Lu Ann Brobst Staheli
  • File Size: 288 KB
  • Print Length: 102 pages
  • Publisher: Back Yard Press (January 30, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00B8DTP9K
  • FTC FYI:  I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

Seven-year-old Helen Marie Heffner has a knack for getting into trouble, followed close behind by her older sister, Leona Mae. Whether it’s walking the barn beams like a tightrope, fooling the neighbor boys into thinking they’re being chased by a fiery jack-o-lantern, or making a mess rather than transferring a pattern for Mama’s Christmas surprise, Helen comes out the winner every time.

But life is not always fun and games in 1922 for this southern Indiana family. In the wake of the Depression of the previous two years, the girls and their mama are often left alone in Hancock’s Chapel while their papa travels to find work to keep the family finances alive. Lately, Mama’s been showing signs of not feeling well, and Helen is stuck at home, missing the entire school year while she recuperates from the rheumatic fever that struck her the year before. Mama fears the worst is about to happen. Everything from the barn owl, to the chicken thief, the stranger who passed by one evening to a poor neighbor-boy who falls into the ravine, all point to signs of trouble to come. And sure enough, it does.

Leona and Me, Helen Marie, a middle grade novel from A Small Town U.S.A. series, is hometown historical fiction in the style of Richard Peck (A Long Way from Chicago, The Teacher’s Funeral, Here Lies the Librarian) and Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie), with a touch of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie thrown in for good measure.

 
Excerpt:
“Watch me, Leona. I’m Miss Tarantula, mysterious tight rope walker of Madagascar!” I lifted my arms for balance and started across the wooden beam in the barn loft, one foot in front of the other, imitating the lady we’d seen at the circus in New Albany. After reaching the wall, I made a little curtsey, trying to pull my overalls out like they were the net skirt the trapeze artist had worn.

“Magnificent, Helen,” Leona said, mimicking a ring master. She held onto a joist about thirty feet away from where I’d ended my trip across the barn.
“With my eyes closed this time,” I said.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said. Leona was nine, two years older than me, and liked to pretend she was in charge.

“Watch me. Watch me,” I said, closing my eyes and turning around on the beam toward the way I thought I’d come. My bare toes gripped the rough edges of the wood.

“Helen Marie Heffner, you stop right now.” Her voice sounded just like Mama’s when I’m gonna get in trouble, but I took a step. Then another. On the third one, there wasn’t a beam under my foot. My eyes flew open and my legs peddled the air, like a character in the comic papers, trying to find a way to stop falling.

“Le—o—naaa!” I screeched.

My Review:

Leona and Me, Helen Marie (A Small Town U.S.A. Novel) was such a fun book to read. I was smiling through much of it. The stories in this book reminded me so much of the stories my own parents have shared with me through the years. It is so obvious the difference between life back then and life now. There was something special about life in the early 1900’s. Life was so much simpler in many ways and much harder in others.

Lu Ann Staheli beautifully retells the stories of her mother and her aunt as they grew up in the South in the 1920’s. There is a lot of humor as Helen, age seven, is living life with her rambunctious older sister. There were many adventures to be found playing outside. Kids today are truly missing out on the fun that most of us over the age of 40 had.

This book will be enjoyed by those that love a delightful book about siblings, family, and lots of love. There are some sad moments that had me crying, but there were many more that had me LOL! I highly recommend this book to all readers, young and old! I will be reading it again with my own children.

Tomorrow I will be reviewing another book written by Lu Ann called Tides Across the Seas (The Explorers).

About the Author:

Lu Ann Brobst Staheli got her start as a celebrity paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she has taught junior high school English for 33 years, moved to the school library for year 34, and once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking through Europe with 15 of her students. She has won three Best of State Medals—two for writing and one for teaching—but refuses to wear them all at the same time because she’d hate to be known as a show-off. Her published works include A Note With Taking, an award-winning MG novel which is currently a Whitney Award nominee; When Hearts Conjoin, the story of the conjoined Herrin twins; Psychic Madman about mentalist Jim Karol; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books, Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher’s Guide to Adolescent Literature.

Esther the Queen A Novel by H.B. Moore-Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
May 092013
 
estherProduct Details
  • Title: Esther the Queen a novel
  • Author: H.B. Moore
  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (April 1, 2013)
  • Genre: Religious Historical Fiction
  • ISBN-10: 1621084175
  • ISBN-13: 978-1621084174
  • FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for
  • an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

Book Description

She is a beautiful young Jewess, content in her life of anonymity. He is the most powerful king in the world. When chance brings the two together, the course of history is forever altered. The glittering court of the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for one of the most poignant tales of courage in the Bible, brought vividly to life in the pages of bestselling author H.B. Moore s sweeping saga. And it begins on a dusty road in the Jewish Quarter. An unexpected meeting between Esther and King Xerxes results in an immediate and unmistakable connection. When Esther is summoned to enter harem the first step toward becoming his wife Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all including Xerxes. But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty. Is she prepared to sacrifice all that she holds dear in order to save her people from certain annihilation?

My Review
I have been looking forward to reading Esther the Queen ever since I knew author H.B. (Heather) Moore would be writing the fictional account of Esther from the Bible. Esther has always been one of my favorite stories from the Bible. I knew that the retelling of her story would be in good hands. I was not disappointed at all. Heather is famous for writing stories of the people from the Book of Mormon like Abinadi, Ammon and the Daughters of Jared and many more.She has also received awards for these novels. Her experience as a writer shows in the magnificent story she has told about Esther.

I  loved the way that Heather brought Esther to life. I always knew how brave Queen Esther had been in order to save her people. The story leading up to that pivotal point in her life has always been a guessing game. I enjoyed Heather’s take on the type of person that Esther was. She is portrayed as being kind, unselfish, and very accepting of all people. As a reader you can’t help but love Esther. King Xerxes (Asahuerus) was also written to my liking. I feel he was a good man in the long run, despite being a Persian King with concubines and a harem. I could see how Esther fell in love with him so quickly. Bad guy Haman deserves the scorn he has received. He truly was a wicked man to call for the destruction of a group of people. Esther’s cousin Mordachai was also written very well. This humble man listened to God and followed promptings from the spirit.

Esther the Queen will enchant you from the first pages. You will be drawn into the splendor of the royal court, and the humble circumstances that the Jewish people lived in. This well researched book will open your eyes to the great sacrifice that Esther made for her Jewish people. I hope that Heather is planning on writing about more heroes from the Bible. Any book written by this author, will for sure make a very satisfying read.

Esther the Queen is available on Amazon, Kindle, and at BYU Bookstore.

 

About the Author:

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of several historical novels which are set in Ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She is not old and doesn’t remember the time period, so Google has become a great friend. Although she has spent several years living in the Middle East, she prefers to forget the smells. Heather writes her historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore so that men will buy her books. She is also the author of two non-fiction books, and several women’s novels including the co-authored series The Newport Ladies Book Club, the anthology series A Timeless Romance Anthology, and the historical romantic suspense novel Heart of the Ocean. These are all written under her real name so that women will buy her books.
Heather graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management–which has absolutely nothing to do with writing novels. But at least she can balance a mean checkbook and color-coordinate her kids’ school clothes.
Visit Heather’s website here: www.hbmoore.com
If you’re an aspiring writer, she also manages the editing company: www.precisioneditinggroup.com

The Big Debate: Literary Loom by Carolyn Twede Frank-Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 272013
 

 

literary loom tour

 

Literary LoomProduct Details

  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: AugustCorp Press (April 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985251336
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985251338
  • FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

 Book Description:The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1)

A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl.

Excerpt:
 Ester climbed up the steps. She was helped to the top of the pile of wood and stood upon it with her back against the stake. Josh gazed up at her, paralyzed. The executioner ascended to her side and wound chains about her frail body, fastening her to the stake. Then he descended to finish his job. There she remained, alone—Joan of Arc, the girl who had so many friends in the days when she was free; the girl who had transformed an army’s hopelessness into courage, along with Josh’s; the girl who had inspired him to follow his heart and not bend to other’s opinions, a heart that now pounded painfully at the speed of light.
 
The mental image of Mr. Ingles in a heap on the floor flashed in Josh’s head. How safe was this contraption, one with artificial intelligence that might not recognize Ester as a traveler? Josh remembered the heat, the cold, the saddle, Louis’s wounds—he felt them all. What would she feel in about one minute? His stomach tensed up at the thought.
 My Review

“But I would like to think that my invention is like a literary loom, weaving a tapestry of images spun by the author but woven into an experience by the reader that delights their mind and warms their soul.” This is what the character, Uncle Reuben, has to say about his invention. I loved this very clever idea found in this new book by Author Carolyn Twede Frank!

The Big Debate is a YA book with a very creative twist on time travel.Having books come to life is the heart of this series. You can actually go experience the book by becoming one of the characters. I really liked the main character, 15 year old Josh. He is trying to fit in at his new school and get’s stuck having to do his report with the “strange” girl Ester. This girl and her uncle open a whole new world to Josh. The students at this school are written realistically with teen personalities that ring true. The mystery in this story is compelling. The action in The Big Debate is exciting and it’s great to have such wonderful Heroes for you and your teens to cheer for. I can’t wait to read more books in this series!

Meet: Author Carolyn Twede Frank

Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time.

Replacing Gentry by Julie N. Ford-Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 192013
 
Tour Schedule

Product Details

  • Title: Replacing Gentry
  • Author: Julie N. Ford
  • Paperback: 286 pages
  • Publisher: WiDo Publishing (April 9, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1937178315
  • ISBN-13: 978-1937178314
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:Replacing Gentry

When Marlie agrees to attend a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she did not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her a chilling message.
Despite the cadaver’s warning, Marlie is married a year later to Tennessee State Senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry; and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.
What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past, ends with Marlie in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy.
A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, Replacing Gentry follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she learns the truth about the man she married.
My Review

I already knew that Julie N. Ford knew how to write a great romance, but now I know she also knows how to write a fantastic mystery/suspense novel. From the minute you meet Marlie and she becomes involved with the rich senator, Daniel Cannon,  so quickly you know that something is up. As the pieces unfold in this novel, everyone is suspect. I felt for poor Marlie not knowing who to trust, her husband or another man, Johnny, that she was so attracted to. Even until the very end you still are wondering and trying to piece things together.

Replacing Gentry is a novel full of lies, betrayal, murder, a cult, conspiracies and of course some romance. The ending is a surprise, but I think I had it figured out several chapters before the end. You will love this new novel by Julie N. Ford. It is now one of my favorites!

Meet:Author Julie N. Ford

Julie N. Ford graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a Marriage & Family Counselor. She is the author of two women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married and No Holly for Christmas, published in 2011. In addition, she wrote a romance/chick-lit novel, Count Down to Love, also published in 2011. Count Down to Love was a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. Her next novel, Replacing Gentry, is due for release April 9th, 2013.
Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one hedgehog.

 

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