REVIEW: I Want What She's Having by Tora Cullip w/Donna Richards

Date:               11/4/13

Title:                 I Want What She’s Having, Now!         

Author:            Tora Cullip w/Donna Richards

ISBN 13:         978-1-4525-7291-8

Pages:            186

Publisher:        Balboa Press

Cover:              Paperback

Rating:             5 Stars

 Kudos to Cullip and Richards for an effective weight loss title. I’ve read many books about

dieting and losing weight, and although  many of them are inspiring, I Want What She’s Having, Now! Exactly How You Can Be So Hot & Healthy You’ll Barely Recognize Yourself! goes above and beyond those other books. I can tell you those other books are sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust, while this book follows me around the house—the nightstand, my office and the kitchen.

I’d like to point out some great points the book talks about. First, the authors talk about mastering your mindset and the “Clearing Your Plate” Syndrome. How many of us were taught to eat everything on our plate where we were children? I know I was, and I brought it to my adulthood with me. My mindset is that “I don’t want to waste it.”

Second, Rev Up Your Metabolism talks about not getting enough sleep and emotional overeating. I don’t know about the other emotional eaters out there, but normally when you’re not sleeping, you’re overeating and if you’re overeating, you’re not sleeping.   

Out of all the things I loved about this book, I have to say what I enjoyed and continue to enjoy about this book is that this book has a plan. Sure, I’m down for books that tell me to be positive and tell me that I can do it, but this book really causes me to take action. In addition to writing down what I eat on a daily basis, this book challenges me to write down my weight loss goals. Not only does it challenge me to write down my weight loss goals, but it challenges me to write down the “whys” of it all. If we are doing something, regardless of what it is, and we fail to know why, we have nothing to keep us focused. Therefore, instead of writing down that I would like to lose thirty pounds, I have to go a step further and write down that the reason I want to lose thirty pounds is because I am a diabetic, it runs in my family, and if I don’t control it with weight loss, it can cause other health issues.

The Seven Success Factors for Weight Loss Motivation are realistic and achievable and adds a sense of accountability. The book also has other weight loss resources and recipes at the end of the book. I will get great use out of this book and feel confident that I will achieve my weight loss goals, or rather my lifestyle change goals. Great job ladies.

REVIEW: Pieces of Me: Finding Heather Jones by Tremayne Moore

Date:              11/18/13

Title:                Pieces of Me           

Author:            Tremayne Moore

ISBN 13:         978-0-9854463-8-3

Pages:            70

Publisher:       Maynetre Manuscripts LLC

Cover:             Paperback

Rating:            2 Stars

 This book is about abuse of many kinds. It’s easy to say, if you’ve heard one story, you’ve

heard them all. But in the case of abuse, there are so many untold stories, and every time I read someone’s story, I’m in awe. After the “shock factor” wears off, I’m always admirable to those who tell their stories. I admire them because there are so many of us that still have not told our stories, therefore, we still have not healed, and authors like Tremayne show others that it’s okay to tell your story and that it is therapeutic to do so, as well as you get a chance to help others.

This book describes how victims become victims and how they are convinced to stay victims. It also shows us the mind of a predator. SPOILER. In one section of the book Heather talks about how she gets made up for this guy only to have him take what she was already willing to give him.

Normally our reviewers do not comment on the editing of a book unless it distracts from the reading of the story. I would suggest that the author have a professional editor and story developer go through this book with a fine-tooth-comb. What would otherwise be an easy and fast read was a little confusing and a bit difficult for me because of the errors. Another thing I noticed is that on the cover of the book, the title is Pieces of Me. However, the title of the book is actually Pieces of Me: Finding Heather Jones per the copyright. Mistakes are real noticeable.

I think with proper editing and updating the cover this book could easily be a 4 or 5 star for me. 

REVIEW: I Didn't Know . . . by Yvette Allen-Tatum

Date:                         10/25/13

Title:                         I Didn’t Know: Identifying, Confronting, and Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse

Author:                     Yvette Allen-Tatum

ISBN 13:                    978-0-9883126-7-8

Pages:                        107

Publisher:                 iScribe Publicaiton LLC

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                      4 Stars

I Didn’t Know: Identifying, Confronting, and Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse is a

good resource for both victims of child sexual abuse and their parents.  This book can assist parents in identifying the signs of sexual abuse in their child.

Often times, especially in certain cultures, we are taught that we don’t tell, or we don’t repeat what goes on in within the walls of our homes. And “within the walls” doesn’t necessary refer to a dwelling. The majority of child sexual abuse crimes are committed by a close friend, church member, family member, such as an uncle or step-parent or actual parent. Often times the child is made to believe they did something wrong to deserve the act that is committed against them and are further convinced that if they tell anyone, they will not be believed, ostracized or even killed.

Although scripture and bible references are used all throughout this book, author Yvette Allen-Tatum doesn’t just preach. She gives her readers “steps” to follow in the healing process. One of the most important steps in the healing process is acknowledgement. Many children who are abused fail to identify, acknowledge or admit the abuse even happened due to reasons described in the preceding paragraph.

Two things that I can appreciate about this book are that the author talks about forgiveness. So many children grow up with guilt and unforgiveness that it consumes them and they become miserable, non-productive and resentful adults. It is true and very important to understand that forgiving yourself and forgiving your abuser has nothing to do with them—if you are to be a productive, progressive and positive adult, you must forgive. Forgiveness allows victims to let go of that burden and put it into God’s hands.

The second part of this book that I appreciated was acknowledgement of the cycle of abuse. Because victims are taught to keep abuse to themselves, they tend to go on to have children who are ultimately abused. And, as parents, they fail to recognize or identify abuse in their own children or simply brush the issue under the carpet.  It is important to stop the cycle now. By continuing to ignore it, we will continue to raise a “Revelations” generation in which our children will have no hope for a decent future.

It’s a hard issue, but I’m glad the author is keeping this topic in the forefront. This would be a great guide for church counselors and other counselors to share with victims.

REVIEW: N is for Nurse by Nurse Nicole

Date:                         11/2/13

Title:                          The Adventures of Nurse Nicole: N is for Nurse

Author:                      Nicole Brown

ISBN 13:                    978-0-9891867-0-4

Pages:                        19

Publisher:                 Nurse Nicole Enterprizes

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                      4 Stars

Simply put, this is a cute little book for children. Nate, Nick and Nicola visit their mother,

who works at a hospital. Using every character of the alphabet, the children learn how nurses help others. From “A”mbulance to “Z”inc, the children learn how their mom helps the sick get well.

I love the fact that Nicole Brown is actually a nurse and she incorporates her three children into the storyline. The book is easy to read and easy to follow, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it is refreshing to see characters of color shed in a positive light. No matter, you ethnicity, this book should be in  your small child’s library. I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing the second book in Nurse Nicole’s series—look for Wash Your Hands coming soon.  

REVIEW: Without Faith by Leslie J. Sherrod

Date:                         11/2/13

Title:                          Without Faith

Author:                     Leslie J. Sherrod

ISBN 13:                    978-1-60162-770-4

Pages:                        301

Publisher:                Urban Christian

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                      5 Stars

Let me start by saying, if you have followed Literary Wonders! reviews over the last twenty years, you know that it is seldom that we give a “fiction” book a five-star rating. A five-star rating would mean that our reviewers could not put the book down, we frantically turned each page to see what was happening and the ending had our mouths wide open.  Without Faith by Leslie Sherrod did just that for this reviewer. This is the second in the Sienna St. James Series. And although I enjoyed Losing Hope, the first book in the series, it was a bit slow for me. Without Faith did not disappoint.

Sienna St. James has gotten past the cat-and-mouse games she faced in the first book, but chasing someone who may or may not have existed is nothing compared to the bizarre situations she finds herself in this time around. Although she hasn’t gotten it all together, Sienna has bought her own home and has started her own practice. Little does she know that counseling a problem couple could nearly cause her to lose her life, nor does she realize sending her son on a school trip would bring answers to questions she has had for years.

Sierra is so busy chasing her past, and her son, that her ability to recognize and choose one of the two suitors who clearly have feelings for her, fails her. SPOILER. I wish that this book could have ended with Sierra finding happiness with either Leon or Laz, but it doesn’t. Leon leaves for Houston to support his niece. But I guess that is why this is only the second book in the series. Perhaps Mrs. Sherrod will finally give Sierra the love she’s been longing for in book three or a future installment of the series.

I truly believe that this book is Hollywood worthy—can someone please get Tyler Perry or another great producer on the line? Author Leslie J. Sherrod has a hit screenplay she needs to give you.

Look for our 5-Star VidReview coming soon!

REVIEW: Who I Be by Annie Brown

Date:              September 23, 2013                    

Title:               Who I Be                  

Author           Annie Brown          

ISBN 13:        978-1-4327-9513-9                     

Pages:            46                  

Publisher:     Outskirts Press

Cover:            Paperback   

Rating:            4    Stars  

            Author Annie Brown’s novel, “Who I Be” is a very poignant book on

finding your self-worth with the help of God.  This book packs a lot of thoughts with simplicity and clarity. 

            This book is characterized as self-help and I completely agree.  It pinpoints things to explore in order to find your purpose in life.  Her use of personal experiences, along with scriptures, is right on point.  She does not hit you over the head with sermons, or with what she thinks you should do to find you. Instead, she gives examples that allow you figure out what you should do.  

             “Who I Be” breaks down the major factors in our lives that can help us become the complete person God wants us to become.  Good job Ms. Brown, on a very good read.

REVIEW: Forgive and Be Free by Ana Holub

Date:                         10/25/13

Title:                         Forgive and Be Free: A Step by Step Guide to Release, Healing, and Higher Consciousness

Author:                     Ana Holub

ISBN 13:                    978-0-7387-3617-4

Pages:                        288

Publisher:                 Llewellyn Publication

Cover:                        NetGalley ARC

Rating:                      4 Stars

Release Date: February 8, 2014 - When something bad happens to us or when someone

hurts us, we are often left asking why? This is often followed by anger and unforgiveness. It is hard for many to realize that this can fester and have a negative impact on our lives. We must realize that in order to heal and move on, we must forgive that person or action that has caused us pain. We must also realize that we must forgive, not for the person or action that we harbor anger for, not for them, but for us.

In Forgive and Be Free, author Ana Holub, discusses this very point. In addition, the author dives into the deeper meaning of forgiveness offering suggestions such as prayer and embracing your fear. As a writer, I especially like that Holub encourages her readers to tell their stories to other. I have worked with and read many works from authors who have suffered hurts from divorce, to sexual abuse, to betrayal. And each time I am amazed at the psychological and physical changes these people make once they share and tell their story. In addition to freeing themselves, they are able to see that they can help others heal.

Chapter 5 shows you how to create a “forgiveness list”, which I think is extremely important especially if you are dealing with multiple hurts. The author recommends hand writing instead of typing on a computer because she feels watching the ink flow on the paper tens to be more therapeutic and taps personally into a writers emotions. I tend to agree.

Finally, this book is just not a “reading” manual. It is a call to action. It includes ten (10) steps to help you assess, accept, learn and release people or actions that have held you back so you can move on with your life. The sample stories and prayer are relatable and helpful.

Great book and great therapy.

REVIEW: An Unexpected Blessing by Unoma Nwankwor

Date:                         10/25/13

Title:                         An Unexpected Blessing

Author:                     Unoma Nwankwor

ISBN 13:                    978-0-9890738-0-6

Pages:                       326

Publisher:                Kevstel Group

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                      4 Stars

What do you do when your Nigerian heritage dictates when and who you marry and you

have other desires? You lie to your Nigerian parents and tell them that you are dating someone who is Nigerian; when he’s not. 

Feranmi, who lives in Atlanta, pays her parents a visit in her native Nigeria. Her parents are adamant about her lack nuptials and lack of exposure to a Nigerian candidate for husband. Trying to respect her parents, she lies to them and tells them she is dating a Nigerian, but old flame Alex is all American.

Wanting something in return, Alex plays the part of Feranmi’s potential Nigerian husband when her parents plan a visit to the states to visit their daughter.

Feranmi and Alex’s past make things complicated to say the least and Feranmi knows that if her parents find out that Alex is not Nigerian, it may break their hearts. Feranmi struggles with her parents and cultural wishes and what she truly wants for her own life.

Newcomer Unoma Nwankwor has done a great job with her debut novel with her ability to spin a story, while adding twists and turns and summing it up with food for thought. I look forward to reading more from this author.

REVIEW: Pursuing Justice by Ken Wytsma

Date:               9/13/13

Title:               Pursing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things

Author:           Ken Wytsma

ISBN 13:          978-0849964664

Pages:             330

Publisher:      Thomas Nelson

Cover:              Hardcover

Rating:            4 Stars

I received an advanced reader copy of The Chaos Imperative as part of the Vine Program.  

At the very least, I found The Chaos Imperative by Ken Wytsma very thought provoking. As a Christian, one chapter that caught my attention the most was, one of the Interludes by Daniel Fan titled My Jesus Ain’t Your Jesus. I wish I could share, but I won’t do the author a disservice, but this piece talks about, in my opinion, diversity and the diversity that makes our world what it is. In America specifically, this diverse people helped make this country what it is. Diversity did the jobs that others did not wish to do, and their reward was and is ostracism.

The author uses scripture to various instances of justice and injustices. He describes the differences between criminal, social, business, political and international justices. Not to mention there are plenty of inspirational quotes to fit your fancy.

Finally, one of my many take-aways from this book is that the scriptures hold the answers to your lives, to our happiness, and to our problems. Some may not like the truth, but its there, in plain black and white.

REVIEW: Leadership Transformed by Dr.Peter Fuda

Date:               9/17/13

Title:               Leadership Transformed

Author:           Dr. Peter Fuda

ISBN 13:          978-1781251249

Pages:              203

Publisher:      Profile Books Ltd

Cover:              Paperback

Rating:            2 Stars

I received an advanced reader copy of Leadership Transformed as part of the Vine

Program.  In this book, the author uses many references and metaphors to get his point across. Some were interesting, while others were not. The author used these metaphors to relate to traits like ambition, authenticity, support and self-reflection.  Perhaps, because I am a small entrepreneur, I felt somewhat left out of this book.

The book is an easy read, but because it didn’t hold my interest, it took me several sittings to finish. In the sea of leadership books that don my bookshelves, there are many that I refer to on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of those books. 

REVIEW: The "I" of Leadership by Nigel Nicholson

Date:               9/12/13

Title:                The “I” of Leadership: Strategies for Seeing, Being and Doing

Author:           Nigel Nicholson

ISBN 13:         978-1118567432

Pages:            310

Publisher:      Jossey-Bass

Cover:             Hardcover

Rating:             4 Stars

             The “I” of Leadership: Strategies for Seeing, Being and Doing by Nigel Nicholson,

is probably one of the best leadership books I’ve read lately. There are many leadership styles; this book helps you determine what type of leader you are.

I love that the author reiterated key leadership ideas that many seem to forget or never knew in the first place. Three of my favorites are 1)Leaders have to satisfy followers, which is true is most cases, 2)Leaders transform, this is self explanatory; and 3)Leaders are stewards. When you break it down, leaders serve the people, keyword being “serve.”

IBM’s story is often used when talking about success. The author re-shares the story and introduces to others to the rise, fall and rise of the technology company. The author uses comparisons to this story and describes six SPQ(situation, process and qualities) strategies: shaping, discovery, self-knowledge, assimilation, seeing and selection.

In addition the IBM story, the author has included other stories quotes and scenarios of successful leaders like Warren Buffett. The book has useful information throughout, and out of all the leadership books on my bookshelf, this is one that I will take down to read and refer to on a regular basis. 

REVIEW: Warm Up Your Winter by Laura Powell

Date:                         8/29/13

Title:                         Warm Up Your Winter

Author:                    Laura Powell

ISBN 13:                   978-1-4621-1204-3

Pages:                      26

Publisher:               Front Table/Cedar Fort

Cover:                      Paperback

Rating:                    3 Stars

I receive this book as a part of the Cedar Fort review program. Honestly, I can say this is not a

book that I would have bought on my own.  Although the recipes in this book are good recipes, I’ve seen them elsewhere, either in other cookbooks or on the internet and have actually made some of these myself.

On the other hand, the one recipe that was unfamiliar happened to be the very first recipe: Nutella Hot Chocolate. I absolutely loathe Nutella, however, my husband loves it, so I will try the recipe for him. Nutella? Who knew?  The only other exception to the rule was Caramel Apple Drink. I think I’ll try that one as well.

Because this book almost seems like a pamphlet of recipes, I would love to see, in the future, a book from the author that includes these recipes in a much larger recipe book, perhaps with other holiday recipes to include meals and desserts. Just a thought.

“I received a free copy of this book from Cedar Fort, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.”

REVIEW: Real Love, Right Now by Kailen Rosenberg

Date:                         9/7/13

Title:                         Real Love, Right Now

Author:                     Kailen Rosenberg

ISBN 13:                    978-1-4767-2796-7

Pages:                        274

Publisher:                 Howard Books

Cover:                        Hardcover

Rating:                      4 Stars

Although I enjoyed this book, I believe that the author is a little ambitious with her thirty-day

blue print. Simply put, it is my belief that putting God ahead of everything and allowing God to choose your mate will ensure a better chance of finding your soul-mate. With that said, the author has a lot of valuable points—mainly, loving yourself. If one does not love him or herself, it is nearly impossible for anyone to completely and fully love you. In addition, if you are a person who is willing to give twenty-five percent, while looking for someone who will give one-hundred percent, I guarantee you are setting yourself up for failure.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Self-Appraisal section of this book. It causes a person to thoroughly evaluate themselves on the inside as well as the outside. This is something that many fail to do. One of the other things I enjoyed about this book is that it is not preachy as many self-help books are. Real Love, Right Now is an action plan that gives its readers homework and addresses those hard but real issues ranging from finances, childhood abuse, self-worth and much more. In addition after reading this book, it can ultimately help married couples who may have lost themselves in the everyday life and issues that come along with marriage. I believe it can help men and women initially rediscover themselves while rekindling marriages.

Now do I think this can be done in thirty-days? Probably not, but I’d say that Kailen Rosenberg gets you off to a great start.

“I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.”

REVIEW: Prayers and Promises for Worried Parents by Robert J. Morgan

Date:                         9/3/13

Title:                         Prayers and Promises

Author:                    Robert J. Morgan

ISBN 13:                   978-1-4767-4067-6

Pages:                      215

Publisher:               Howard Books

Cover:                      Paperback

Rating:                    4 Stars

I always welcome resources that encourage. Prayers and Promises is one of those

resources. As a parent of two grown children who continue to make choices that I would otherwise approve of, it is very difficult not to worry about their future.

Through a compilation of resources and original connotation, Robert J. Morgan has created this easy to read, easy to navigate book. Like most great resources, this book is divided into easy to read and easy to navigate chapters, complete with scripture and resources.

My take-away from this book is that God has all the answers. As parents we must look to Him to fix or help our children instead of worrying about something we have no control over.  A great resource for your spiritual library.

“I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.”

REVIEW: The 50 Friday Marriage Challenge by Jeff & Lora Helton

Date:                         9/3/13

Title:                         The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge

Author:                      Jeff & Lora Helton

ISBN 13:                    978-1-4767-0500-2

Pages:                        176

Publisher:                 Howard Books

Cover:                         Paperback

Rating:                       4 Stars

I’m all for tools that help strengthen or rebuild marriages. The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge

is an excellent tool. My husband and I are only on the second week, but we did skip ahead to read some of the other challenges just to see what we were getting ourselves into. Upon inspection I found that this book is perfect for those couples thinking about marriage, newlyweds and for those married couples who are looking for the missing piece in their marriage or those trying to figure out ways to find themselves back to their spouse.

Each Friday, perfect for a date night, the couple is to ask, answer and follow up the given question. Questions such as:

·         “What was the greatest thing that happened to you this week?”

·         “What was your greatest challenge?”

·         “Evaluate your physical intimacy. What would you like to see changed?”

·         “What physical characteristic of your spouse do you like the most?”

·         “What are the simple phrases that describe your desire for your marriage?”

These 50 questions range from spiritual to intimate to financial issues that married couples face. I recommend this book to any couple as state above. It is great for married couples, however, for those who are not sure if their potential mate is good fit, you should get and utilize the practices and questions in this book.

“I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.”

REVIEW: Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings by Leeza Gibbons

Date:                                   8/6/13

Title:                                    Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings            

Author:                               Leeza Gibbons              

ISBN 13:                              978-1401939816

Pages:                                 304

Publisher:                          Hay House

Cover:                                  Hardcover

Rating:                                4 Stars

In Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings, Leeza Gibbons uses her life

experiences and lessons to show others how to reinvent themselves and take charge of their lives.

As a woman over forty, I am always looking for ways to reinvent myself and live a full, successful and happy life. Every now and the we need reminding and I think that this is one of the things this book does.  One of the tips she gives is Take Bold Action. You cannot be timid with opportunities, you have too much competition. You must show that you really want what you are looking for and as Leeza says, “When the door opens, walk through it. If it doesn’t—kick it down.” If there are no opportunities, you must create your own.

I grew up with Leeza and I must say after all these years, she is still a beauty—inside and out. 

REVIEW: Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble

Date:                                   8/11/13

Title:                                    Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble     

Author:                               Karen English 

ISBN 13:                              978-0547615653

Pages:                                 112

Publisher:                          HMH Books for Young Readers

Cover:                                  Paperback

Rating:                                2 Stars

I’ve read and reviewed several of the books in the Nikki and Deja Series and most of them were good. I’ve recommended many of them to ethnic children. However, this latest installment had me wondering if the author is tired of the series, because it was not as well written or interesting as the other books in the series. I’m not sure how far Karen English will carry on this series, but I sure hope the next book is better than this one but as good as her other Nikki and Deja books. 

REVIEW: The Accounting by William Lashner

Date:                                  8/8/13

Title:                                  The Accounting              

Author:                               William Lashner           

ISBN 13:                              978-1611099355

Pages:                                 426

Publisher:                           Thomas and Mercer

Cover:                               

 Paperback -ARC

Rating:                                4 Stars

I’m just now getting into Mystery/Crime/Thriller novels.  This book did not disappoint. After reading The Accounting, I will make it a point to back and read other William Lashner novels.

A teenage crime that everyone had long forgotten comes back to haunt Jon and his friends. A true tale of what is done in the dark, always comes to light even if its twenty-five years later. As the body count rises realizes one should never come between a drug dealer and his money. Jon finds out if a change in identity can save him from his past.

Normally, I can read a book of about two-hundred and fifty pages, in about three to five hours, depending on  the content. However, The Accounting is One BAB (Big Ass Book). It took me about a week to read this book. But none the less, it was a good one. As I settle in to read more of Lashner’s work, I know I should probably read them on a cold, boring night, because it’s going to be a while.