Wednesday, April 24, 2013

REVIEW: The Customer Rules by Lee Cockerell



Date:                         4/15/13
Title:                         The Customer Rules: The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service
Author:                    Lee Cockerell
ISBN 13:                   978-0770435608
Pages:                      208
Publisher:               Crown Business
Cover:                      Paperback
Rating:                    3 Stars


Ironically, I am currently working on a customer service project. It seems that the days of customer service, let alone good customer service, is a distant memory. Now most
customers call into a call center for service and what they receive is a overworked employee that is required to read from a generic script. Sadly, one size does not fit all.

Even though this book has some great tips on getting and keeping customers, the people at the top must change their strategies. Having worked in customer service for nearly fifteen years, I found that companies can hire great customer care employees, but if a company’s bottom line is making money and following a one-size-fits-all robotic scripts to service all its customers, customer service will not make a comeback. On the other hand, if these same companies who continue to hire non-qualified caring individuals, they will not continue to succeed.

Rule number eight talks about being professional and this is something that has long disappeared in customer service. There are other valuable rules in this book, but none if it will mean a thing unless companies start caring more about their employees and their customers instead of lining their wallets. This book would have been great ten years ago, but the author may be a little over zealous with this title as it pertains to mid-sized to large corporations. However, smaller businesses may benefit from these rules.

REVIEW: Identity by Stedman Graham



Date:                         2/15/13
Title:                         Identity: Your Passport to Success
Author:                     Stedman Graham
ISBN 13:                    978-132876599
Pages:                        2248
Publisher:                 FT Press
Cover:                        Paperback
Rating:                       4 Stars


Identity: Your Passport to Success by Stedman Graham added value to my library of leadership and encouragement titles.

Often times, specifically as an entrepreneur, we find ourselves trying to duplicate someone
or something while trying to find our own way. This book reminds us that it is okay to be ourselves and originals—we  don’t have to follow the “pack.” Mr. Graham uses quotes from greats like Steve Jobs—“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life” is one of my favorites.

Identity is an interactive book that poses questions that cause you to stop and consider your values, goals and your overall needs and wants in life. The book is comprised of a nine-step action process that features great leaders, both past and present that will give you inspiration to go beyond the ordinary.

I have to admit that when I first saw this book by Stedman Graham, I was a little skeptical. Besides being Oprah’s beau, I didn’t know much about Mr. Graham. This book took me by surprise and I recommend it to entrepreneurs or anyone who is looking to reinvent themselves or find themselves for the first time. Kudos  to Mr. Graham. I have read several books of this genre and this one stands out as one of the top 20 in my expansive library. 

REVIEW: One Question by Ken Coleman



Date:                         4/20/13
Title:                         One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today’s Leading Voices
Author:                     Ken Coleman
ISBN 13:                    978-1451675023
Pages:                        224
Publisher:                 Howard Books
Cover:                         Hard Cover
Rating:                       4 Stars


Ken Coleman is the radio host of the Ken Coleman show. In his book One Question, he interviews and asks intriguing questions of various leaders in various industries, walks of
life and levels of leadership. The answers from such leaders as Seth Godin, T.D. Jakes, Tom Ziglar, Jimmy Carter and Tim Sanders are compelling and thought provoking.

One of my favorites was when Mr. Coleman asked President and COO of Chik-fil-A, Dan Cathy, what he learned from his father about passing the torch. His simple response was, “ . . . if you follow your passion in life, you’ll never have to work again.”

Kudos to Coleman for allowing us a sneak peek inside the lives of true leaders. 

REVIEW: The Guilt Trip by Pat Simmons



Date:                         4/15/13
Title:                         The Guilt Trip
Author:                     Pat Simmons
ISBN 13:                    978-0802403803
Pages:                        368
Publisher:                 Lift Every Voice
Cover:                        Paperback
Rating:                      4 Stars


Aaron "Ace" Jamieson is quite the ladies man. He prided himself on not getting caught up with any drama. His "love and leave 'em" relationships didn't last longer than three months,
if that long; that's until he met Talise Rogers. Their chemistry was explosive. She did one thing the other women didn't. When he came to grips with his true feelings, he was ready to share them with his Tay. She also had something to share with him. When she droGuilpped the bomb, he reverted to his old ways and thought she was out to get him. What will become of their relationship?

In this second installment of the Jamieson Legacy, we follow Ace. Ace is a character afraid of being like his father. You are drawn in from the beginning. I had a hard time putting the book down. I particularly like how Simmons incorporate some history and biblical principles without going overboard. If you enjoy reading about forgiveness and redemption, this is the book for you.

REVIEW: Living the Proverbs by Charles R. Swindoll



Date:                         4/23/13
Title:                         Living the Proverbs: Insight for the Daily Grind
Author:                    Charles R. Swindoll
ISBN 13:                   978-1936034710
Pages:                       282
Publisher:                Worthy Publishing
Cover:                       Hardcover
Rating:                     5 Stars


This is an excellent book and every Christian woman should own a copy.  The book is
broken into twenty-six weeks and covers issues like motherhood, disobedience, worry, biblical illiteracy, procrastination, addition and much more.  Using scripture from Proverbs in each chapter covers five days and ends with reflection.

This is a beautiful book that I read on a daily basis. Mother’s Day is right around the corner. For those who haven’t a clue what to get the wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt or special woman your life, this is the perfect gift. Every Christian woman strives to be a Proverbs woman and this book can help.

REVIEW: Change Beyond the Pain by Monifa Robinson Groover


Date:                4/16/13
Title:                Change Beyond the Pain  
Author:            Monifa Robinson Groover    
ISBN 13:           N/A
Pages:             147
Publisher:        Vision Publishing House LLC
Cover:             Electronic ARC
Rating:            4 Stars


             Change Beyond the Pain by Monifa Robinson Groover is another one of those
non-fiction, Christian titles that gives encouragement to those who are seeking purpose and change. In a world full of lip service, this title really challenges the reader to consider if they are really looking to transform their lives regardless of any obstacles that they may, and they will, face.
            Change Beyond the Pain is an interactive tool that challenges its readers with open ended questions regarding their decisions and reasoning for change and transformation.
            I once heard someone quote that readers of the bible tend to pretend they don’t understand the meaning of the scriptures, and they use that as an excuse not to follow the scriptures. Ms. Robinson-Groover breaks down scriptures pertaining to this book so that a person who cannot or will not interpret the bible as it was intended—even a child can understand this break down.
            And, although the book is more instructional than “preachy”, I wish the author would have included a small workbook and space to write notes at the end of the chapter.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

BLOG TOUR: Change Beyond the Pain with Monifa Robinson Groover


About The Book
The purpose of this book is to teach you how to transform your life.  While this book is no substitute for the Word of God (The Bible), let this be a guide that simply helps you gain a deeper understanding of what God is trying to impart in all of us. 
Change Beyond The Pain will help you discover:
•    True healing comes from allowing God to transform your life 
•    You do not have to revert back to the same cycle of hurt, anger, fear and depression
•    God has a plan for your life
•    There is power and purpose in your pain
This book will teach you how to move beyond accepting change to embracing transformation.  So, if you are seeking restoration, grab your Bible, this book, and open your heart and watch the transformation begin.


About The Author
Monifa Robinson Groover, a native of New York City, moved to Teaneck, New Jersey with her family at the tender age of twelve.  Upon graduation from Teaneck High School, Monifa obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), as well as a Master of Social Work Degree from Smith College School of Social Work (Northampton, MA).  After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, and extensive work in the field of social services, she obtained a Master of Public Administration Degree with a concentration in Management from Troy State University (Atlanta, GA).

Monifa has devoted her life to helping others see the potential that lies within them.  Having provided a number of services for diverse populations including but not limited to perpetrators of sexual crimes, individuals faced with substance abuse challenges and individuals in the criminal justice system; as well as having coached women entrepreneurs, her experience has taught her that neither position nor status dictate the level of pain and misfortune one may encounter.  It was at this time she realized the call on her life was much greater.

In 2003 she released her first book entitled “Within Your Reach, Inspiration That Quiets the Mind and Soothes the Soul”. (ISBN: 1-930231-03-2). This book is filled with devotions that shows people how to strategically turn their pain into gain, tragedy into triumph and victimization into victorious living.  She released her second book entitled “Change Beyond The Pain” in 2012 (ISBN: 978-0-9836776-0-4).  This book provides a more in-depth look at how individuals can use the Word of God to transform their lives.  It also shows them how to begin moving beyond the blows that life may sometimes deal. 


Monifa has been called by God to help others reach their God-given potential.  Her duty is to equip others with the proper tools and resources to move beyond their circumstances and live healthier and more productive lives, which she believes can only be found when one has a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Her personal journey, combined with her education and work experience, and most importantly her relationship with Jesus Christ, collectively play a vital role in the work she passionately does today.  She resides in Savannah, Georgia and is a faithful member of New Covenant Holiness Church #3, located in Savannah, Georgia, where her beloved husband, Jamie Groover is pastor.



Extras
Change Beyond The Pain is about learning how to transi­tion away from a life of misery into a life filled with joy and peace. It is about allowing your character to be altered so that you no longer do the things that keep you in bondage.
Throughout the course of life, we will experience change whether it is positive, negative or indifferent. Most likely, we will also experience some sort of pain – whether it be mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical. If you haven’t experienced this yet, as the old folks would say, just keep living! There is nothing we can do to keep change and pain from being active participants in our lives. These two things are inevitable. They are unavoidable and are bound to happen. However, trans­formation is about making a conscious decision to modify our lives from the inside out.

Question: So if change and pain are unavoidable how can this guide help me?
Answer: Remember, this guide is entitled Change Beyond The Pain. The key word that links Change and Pain together is Beyond. Beyond signifies transition to a new level – it signifies movement away from. That, my dear, is the meaning of trans­formation. This book is designed to help you deal more effectively with change and pain. It will give you further clar­ity and understanding on how to make a smooth transition to the next level. It gives guidance on how to move away from your current situation. Not only that, but you will also learn how to stay away from the people, places and things that fight so hard to keep you down.

Remember, Transformation is an inside job, and once complete, there is no need to go back and redo anything – whereas change is constant and never ending.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

RT Convention Exclusive!

Today I have a special treat for you. In front of the RT Book Lover’s Convention, being held in Kansas City, MO, May 1st – 5th, we have a panel of authors from various genres. I had the pleasure of


talking with Pat Simmons, Lisa Watson, Ethan Cross and Mingmei Yip. These authors either have attended, or will attend the convention next month.

As I research and learn all I can about this convention (RT stands for Romance Times by the way) I couldn’t help but get excited.

The convention, which celebrates in a different city each year, will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. Let me share some things I learned about this conference:

·         There will be over 450 authors representing all genres

·         Goody bags to die for

·         Vendors galore (including Ingram Content Group)

·         Publisher and Author gift bag drawings

·         Dozens of Publishers, Agents and Editors (Including HarperCollins, Kensington, Amazon and Hatchett)

·         Industry related services and bloggers (Including Publicity Services)

·         Workshops (Business: Paradigm Shift, Craft: American Idol the Writer’s Edition and Business: What Rights Do You Have? And How Much Are They Worth)

·         Did I mention goody bags to die for?

·         Agent and Editor appointments and sign-ups

·         Parties Galore (Carina Press Cocktail Party and the Harlequin Dance Party)

·         Giant Book Fair and Teen Day

·         And so much more!

I wanted to attend this event so bad that I ran to the website to find the registration information and realize that I already have another convention planned for this time. Then, I got overly excited when I saw that this event will be held New Orleans, Louisiana next year. My bubble was deflated when I realized, that it too, would be during yet another conference I will be attending. However, I’ve already got my sites on 2015 and I can’t wait.

Our panel authors shared with us their experience with the convention, and you can hear the entire interview by clicking on the link below for our podcast. You can download the link to your desktop here, listen to it on our iTunes podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lw!s-the-authors-hideaway!/id489293831)or open the links from your Android (or other smart phone) browser.
Below, you will find a brief bio of each author, along with his or her websites. Please support these authors by BUYING a book, READING the book and then REVIEWING the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads.

PAT SIMMONS is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth. She is passionate about digging up the dirt on her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She has been a genealogy enthusiast since her great-grandmother died at the young age of ninety-seven years old. Pat has won numerous awards for her novels, which include Talk to Me, Grace and Humility and Still Guilty, which was voted the Best Inspirational Romance for 2010. Pat is best known for her Guilty series: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, and Still Guilty. She is continuing the series through the Jamieson Family Legacy trilogy: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, Free From Guilt. Pat has recently been nominated for the best Christian fiction award by the African American Literary Awards for her latest release, Crowning Glory.  Pat and her husband live in Missouri and have two children. 

MINGMEI YIP has been a published writer since age fifteen when a Hong Kong magazine published an article she wrote on the arts.

She currently has twelve books to her credit, five in Chinese and seven in English. Her most
recent works include The Nine Fold Heaven (Kensington Books, 2013) and a children’s book Grandma Panda’s China Storybook – Legends, Traditions, and Fun (Tuttle Publishing, 2013).

Other novels by the author are Kensington Skeleton Women (2012), Song of the Silk Road (2011), Petals from the Sky (2010), and Peach Blossom Pavilion (1008). Her children’s books are Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories (Tuttle, 2005). Her  Chinese books include The Art of Qin Music, Guqin Music and Chinese Culture, World of Music, Never Poles Apart (collection of essays), and Good Time on Earth, a book on Zen Buddhism. All have been well received in Hong Kong and three have had Taiwan editions.
Visit Mingmei Yip at: http://www.mingmeiyip.com/

LISA WATSON is a native of Washington D.C.  which fed her romantic imagination. Creating interesting, realistic characters that challenge personal and spiritual growth are her forte. Because of her love of Nature, picturesque locales that she visits always seem to find a way into her latest
novels. 

Having parlayed her love of the romance genre into her debut novel, Watch Your Back, Lisa garnered rave reviews, an Afr’Am Literary Fest award nomination, and topped the Amazon Bestseller list.  Her second novel, Interview with Love also received great reviews.

The co-publicist for RT BookReview Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions, Lisa secures social media interviews for National and International Bestselling authors. 

Lisa resides in North Carolina where she is subcontractor for the Bureau of ATF.  She has been married for 17 years, has a teenager son and daughter, and a Maltipoo named Brinkley.
Visit Lisa Watson at: http://www.lisawatson.com/

ETHAN CROSS is the International Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of The Shepherd, The Cage, Callsign: Knight, and his latest, The Prophet—a novel described by bestselling author Jon Land as "The best book of its kind since Thomas Harris retired Hannibal Lecter."

While #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Gardner said, "The surprises are fast and
furious and will leave you breathless to read more."
Visit Ethan Cross at: http://www.ethancross.com/

For more information about the convention, visit: https://www.rtconvention.com/register or contact 800-989-8816 X12. The full conference price (5 days) is $474, with day passes available or $99. Register Today!






Monday, April 15, 2013

REVIEW: Iscariot by Tosca Lee


Date:                          3/31/13
Title:                           Iscariot
Author:                       Tosca Lee
ISBN 13:                      978-1451683981
Pages:                         352
Publisher:                    Howard Books
Cover:                         Paperback
Rating:                        5 Stars


Tosca Lee is an excellent story teller. Her novel, ISCARIOT, A NOVEL OF JUDAS, combines biblical
information and a background story that truly makes one contemplate the depth of the resurrection and those involved.

Ms. Lee introduces us to the character of Judas as a child who questions the role of religion at an early age. This character, Judas, is consistently searching for truth in religion and what others portray on their religious pursuits. He is seen as very sensitive early on and at times, his sensitivity overwhelms him to the point of becoming physically ill. As Christians, we are taught the story of the resurrection and we rejoice at the meaning, and Judas is merely seen as the catalyst that God used to save us. Ms. Lee has given Judas a descriptive character that stirs emotions and deep thoughts in us.  

ISCARIOT, A NOVEL OF JUDAS, by Tosca Lee is well written, thought provoking and has us wondering throughout the novel, what emotion Judas will exhibit next and how will it be connected to the bible story that we know. 

REVIEW: Guilty by Association by Pat Simmons



Date:                          4/14/13
Title:                          Guilty by Association
Author:                       Pat Simmons
ISBN 13:                     978-0802403681
Pages:                        368
Publisher:                   Lift Every Voice          
Cover:                         Paperback
Rating:                        4 Stars


Sandra Nicholson is the mother of two sons, Kevin "Kidd" and Aaron "Ace" Jamieson. Their father
never married their mother but insisted on his sons carrying his last name. Kidd is full of anger and resentment towards his father. Kidd and Ace are searched out by a cousin, Cameron after performing genealogy research. Kidd was reluctant at first. He slowly came around. Cameron introduced his brothers, Parke and Malcolm whom came with a proposition for Kidd. After a tragedy, Kidd accepted the proposition. What will become of the agreement?

Guilty by Association was thrilling. You witness how an absent father could affect young boys. I enjoyed watching Kidd's transformation. The characters mesh well together. Pat Simmons did an excellent job of introducing the characters. I'm looking forward to the next installment. If you're one who enjoys excitement, this is the book for you!

REVIEW: A Woman's Heart for God by Sheila Cragg


Date:                          4/7/13
Title:                          A Woman’s Heart for God
Author:                      Sheila Cragg
ISBN 13:                     978-1617951596
Pages:                        240
Publisher:                  Worthy Publishing      
Cover:                       Paperback
Rating:                      4 Stars


Sheila Cragg uses God’s word throughout her devotional book, A WOMAN’S HEART FOR GOD, to inspire us to lean on what has already been written to guide us through life’s adventures, trials and
tribulations.  She prepares us for the journey that will include struggles, disappointments, joys and triumphs, and instills in us that prayer along with scripture can definitely carry us through anything.

A WOMAN’S HEART FOR GOD is the combination of a novel, instructional guide and a devotional and invokes thinking and a desire to seek God in all things.  It teaches us that our lives are a journey and that we constantly have to seek God’s wisdom. The author helps us to understand that we should not question what we face, but find God’s blessing in every incident.  For example, she uses John 12:24-25 to demonstrate how this life on earth will die, but if we are living ‘the God disciplined life” we will have our eternal rewards. This book will definitely inspire contemplation with true life examples of situations, prayers to say during these times, and questions that are asked at the end of each chapter.    

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

REVIEW: Yes! Energy by Loral Langemeier


Date:                          3/22/13
Title:                           Yes! Energy The Equation to Do Less, Make More
Author:                       Loral Langemeier
ISBN 13:                      978-1401936471
Pages:                         217
Publisher:                   Hay House
Cover:                         Hard Cover
Rating:                        3 Stars


             Yes! Energy: The Equation to Do Less, Make More by Loral Langemeier, was just okay
for me. As an avid reader of self-help, motivational, leadership and business titles, I expected more. This is my first title by the author and I would probably leave this one. However, there were a few tips that I was able to walk away and I feel that many will be able to relate to the author’s stories. In my opinion, the best part of this book is the exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises challenges your strengths and you weaknesses and cause you to take action. On the other hand, these can stand alone from the rest of the book. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

BLOG TOUR: Kingdom Principles for Everyday Living Virtual Book Tour w/Stewart Perrilliat


About The Book
The book is a 40 day devotional. It's a great book for men and women. This book is designed to
help those who are struggling with a consistent prayer life. It's easy to read and very fruitful.

Guest Post
Over the years, I have come to understand the significance of the number 40. Scientifically speaking, 40 weeks is the length of time it takes for a mother to carry an unborn child from conception to delivery. Biblically speaking, 40 is the number associated with a period of testing before a breakthrough.

The number 40 is an indication that God is ready to birth something new out of pain or challenge. According to the Bible, Noah was in the rain for 40 days and nights before God brought a refreshing promise for His people.

When the Children of Israel were ready to cross over into their promise, the spies who preceded them took 40 days to scout out the land. However, because of disobedience, their 40 days turned into 40 years before they entered into the land of promise.
Goliath, who was killed by David, challenged the Children of Israel for 40 days prior to their victory over the Philistine army.

Before He began His ministry, Jesus, while being tempted by satan, fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness.

I have experienced my own personal 40 days of trials and tribulations. However, because I did not lose my confidence in God, I was able to realize the significance of the number 40 and receive God’s blessings for me after my test. These truths concerning the number 40 inspired me to write this devotional.

In modern times, 30 days is used to complete various programs or to create a new habit. At the beginning of the year, Magazine cover stories often read, Thirty Days to a New You. For the purpose of this devotional the true number for the manifestation of a renewed life is the number 40.

Therefore, this devotional will afford you an opportunity to develop a more intimate relationship with the Lord and transform your life. As you read this devotional, it will give you hope and renew your strength. On those days when doubt and disbelief abound, I encourage you to remain consistent with your 40 day cycle of reading Kingdom Principles for Everyday Living: 40 Practical Principals for a Fruitful Life.
I challenge you to apply yourself and expect a breakthrough by the time you have complete this devotional. I encourage you to not only read through the devotions in this book, but to read the related scriptures and commit them to memory. This process will increase your knowledge of God, and strengthen your faith towards Him.

God’s will for us is to increase in every area of our lives by being doers of His Word. I pray that this devotional draw you closer to God and give you the incredible power to break into your promise.



About the Author
Minister.  Father.  Servant.  Evangelist.  Author.  Stewart Bernard Perrilliat is a gifted individual who has a passion to see broken lives restored and renewed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  A
native of Oakland, California, Stewart grew up in a community that was plagued with a number of challenging institutional socio-economic ills.  Nevertheless, Stewart escaped the lures of the streets and became a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp before becoming the Founder and CEO of Perrilliat Enterprises, a general contracting and engineering firm based in Northern California. 

Stewart began his ministry call as a Street Evangelist in 1995, and since that time he has been used by the Lord to win countless souls into the Kingdom of God.  He attributes his success as a Street Evangelist to his ability to present the gospel in a manner that meets people at the place of their need.  His call has become the central focus of his life and ministry.  Though Stewart is a gifted entrepreneur, he is first and foremost a service-driven person who is passionate about seeing people live their life now through having a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Stewart’s teaching gift empowers people to apply Biblical principles to improve and enhance their lives.  His approach is known for being encouraging, practical, and inspirational.  He is also known for motivating others to reach their highest potential. 

Links to purchase the book