Showing posts with label Yolanda M Johnson Bryant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yolanda M Johnson Bryant. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

REVIEW: The Art of Falling in Love by Joe Beam


Date:               4/30/13
Title:                The Art of Falling in Love: 4 Steps to Falling in Love, Staying in Love and Renewing Lost Love
Author:            Joe Beam
ISBN 13:           978-1451672657
Pages:              226
Publisher:        Howard Books
Cover:              Paperback
Rating:             5 Stars


The year is 2013 and spiritual warfare is all around us, including in our marriages. As a woman
who is on her second and final marriage, I welcome any tool that will help uplift my marriage. In The Art of Falling in Love, Joe Beam touches on many of the issues that married couples face in a world of “easy come, easy go” and “freeness”.

Many fall in lust and not in love and therefore find it difficult to commit to a marriage when the going gets tough. Marriage is a contract, a commitment and an oath and it takes work to keep one that will last a lifetime.

Mr. Beam touches on issues like the true meaning of love, commitment and intimacy. He illustrates the Love Path as follows: Attraction > Acceptance > Attachment > and Aspiration, and on to respect, fulfillment, spirituality and passion. Although I don’t totally agree that the Love Path goes in that exact order, I get what the author was trying to display.

Joe Beam goes on to talk about compromise, something that couples tend to forget. Once you enter a marriage, you become one. There is no longer and “I”, it has become a “we” and is not longer about one person.

The icing on the cake in The Art of Falling in Love is the discussion portion at the back of the book that addresses some very though provoking questions. If you are one of those people who like books on self-improvement, this is a must for your library.

REVIEW: Inspired to Move Forward by Aleysha Proctor


Date:               4/30/13
Title:                Inspired to Move Forward
Author:            Aleysha R. Proctor
ISBN 13:           978-1479775408
Pages:              82
Publisher:        Xilbiris
Cover:              Paperback
Rating:             3 Stars

I’ve review past books by Aleysha Proctor and would have thought Inspired to Move Forward
would have had more meat and substance. The book, an easy read at 82 pages, including notes and promotions, has tons of scripture references.

The short chapters seem as if they were sermons or speeches compiled together. With all this aside, the information is good and a great resource for those looking for, perhaps, a bible study reference.

My wish for Ms. Proctor in the future is to write a meatier book with a little more substance. Scripture reference is always good, but I’d like to see her elaborate on the stories accompanied by the scripture. I want to be inspired to read more of her work as opposed to just by passing the book and picking up my bible. I’ll await her next title. 

REVIEW: Ada's Rules by Alice Randall



Date:               1/16/13
Title:                Ada’s Rules: A Sexy Skinny Novel  
Author:            Alice Randall
ISBN 13:           978-1608198276
Pages:              352
Publisher:        Bloomsbury
Cover:              Paperback
Rating:             5 Stars


I knew when I saw the cover of this book that it was going to be a funny read. Little did I know that
it would also possess inspiration and life lessons.

I graduated high school in the 80s and have yet to go to a reunion for various reasons. First Lady Ada Howard is up to the challenge when her high school reunion comes around, but there is only one problem; she has managed to gain more weight than she’d care to admit.

In Ada’s Rules, the author takes women on her life-changing weight loss journey, while offering tips along the way. Although this book is listed as a novel, I think it is truly a guide for its readers.

The characters are true to life and very funny. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It goes to prove that life doesn’t get grand until mid-life. I’d love to read more from Alice Randall.

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: 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.  

Friday, March 29, 2013

REVIEW: Get You Good by Rhonda Bowen



Date:                          3/25/13
Title:                           Get You Good
Author:                        Rhonda Bowen
ISBN 13:                       978-0758281364
Pages:                         327
Publisher:                    Dafina/Kensington
Cover:                         Paperback
Rating:                         4 Stars



             
Sydney Isaacs has poured all that she has into Decadent, the family business. The only problem
is that Sydney’s step-father specified in his will that her half-brother Dean obtain ownership of the high class eatery once he turned twenty-one. Upon turning twenty-one Dean has managed to forfeit a degree, gain a wife and has a baby on the way. In addition, he wants to follow his dreams of being a music producer and that takes money—money he doesn’t have unless he sells Decadent. Sydney is in fear of losing her dream to a brother who has never had an interest in the eatery and his greedy new wife Sheree.

In addition to dealing with her family drama, a very handsome blast from her past shows up. Hayden is a former NBA player who has always had his heart set on Sydney. He will do anything it takes to win her over. After fighting hard not to fall for Hayden, Sydney gives in. Things seem to be going well until Sheree shows her true colors and Sydney finds that Hayden and Sheree are closer than she could ever imagine.

It’s often said that love and money can make anyone stoop to the lowest levels and that even goes for squeaky clean Sydney. She vows to take Sheree down, and in doing so it could cost her Decadent and the man she loves.

Get You Good, is a twist of family drama, girl fights, tall dark and handsome and whole lot of Decadent Red Velvet Cake. Rhonda Bowen did good with Get You Good.





Literary Wonders!/The Author’s Hideaway Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

REVIEW: Stop Dieting and Start Losing Weight by Jen Brewer, RD


Date:                          3/12/13
Title:                           Stop Dieting and Start Losing Weight
Author:                        Jen Brewer, RD
ISBN 13:                       978-1462110636
Pages:                         168
Publisher:                    Cedar Fort
Cover:                         Paperback
Rating:                         4 Stars



             
I must admit when I first started reading this book, I was a bit skeptical. I mean after all, I could
open up a mini-bookstore with the books about dieting and losing weight that I currently have on my shelf, or being used as a door stop in my office.  However, what caused me to read the entire book, a small one in size, is the section on carbohydrates.  Being a type 2 diabetic for 8 years, it wasn’t until recently that I realized why I could not lose weight and why every time I went to my doctor she wanted to put me on even more medications. When I paid more attention to my carb intake to exercise ratio than my calories and fats, it hit me like a light bulb—this was one of the main keys in my weight loss.

In Stop Dieting and Start Losing Weight, Jen Brewer writes about a more permanent lifestyle. The book is full of no nonsense principles that debunk myths we’ve learned over the years. We must realize that in addition to learning what works for our bodies and what doesn’t, we must get the proper amount of sleep and we must exercise. Many diets talk about food combinations and even brag about losing weight without having to do a bit of exercise; these are usually the diets that fail.

Brewer gives valuable tips like partnering with a buddy for motivation, getting to the root of emotional eating, and other vital tips for your life-long weight loss.





Literary Wonders!/The Author’s Hideaway Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book from Cedar Fort Publishers, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

REVIEW: Personal Branding for Dummies by Susan Chritton


Date: 2/7/14
Title: Personal Branding for Dummies
Author: Susan Chritton, M.Ed.
ISBN 13: 978-1118117927
Pages: 360
Publisher: Dummies
Cover: Paperback
Rating:         4 Stars




This book is a confirmation of what I tell many of my clients regarding branding. I'm amazed at how many opportunities to brand themselves, people let get away on a daily basis.

If you own a business, or are someway associated with a business, product or service, it's very important to brand yourself. From the start, Chritton writes about the importance of letting the world know who you are. This book is packed with tons of advice on how to brand yourself, get your name out to the masses and how to stand apart from your competitors. 

The authors touches on topics like press releases, media outlets and resources, social media, right down to your email signature. This is one of those books that every brand should have--even if you don't consider yourself to be a walking brand right now, I guarantee that will change once you navigate the pages of this book that should be in every small business owner's library.

Finally, the book has a handy little study and discussion guide at the end. 






Literary Wonders!/The Author's Hideaway Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book from the Amazon Vine Program, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

REVIEW: The 10 Second Rule by Clare Degraaf



Date:                          3/7/14
Title:                           The 10 Second Rule; Following Jesus Made Simple
Author:                        Clare Degraaf
ISBN 13:                       978-1476702773
Pages:                         240
Publisher:                    Howard Books
Cover:                         Hard Cover
Rating:                         4 Stars



             
The 10 Second Rule is made up of a group of principles and practices that are easy to follow
and ultimately teaches how to be more like Jesus. Many will find themselves relating to this book as they see instances of their lives displayed on the pages.

I found this book very useful and in addition to the helpful scripture and famous saying, one in particular I found to be very profound. The quote: The Bible is very easy to understand, but we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. ~~Soren Kierkegaard.

With all the turmoil and denying of Christianity in today’s times, this book is refreshing and reminds us that some things happen for a reason, some must happen, but we must continue to seek to be more like Jesus. Truth be told, we need all the help we can get.

Finally, the book has a handy little study and discussion guide at the end.






Literary Wonders!/The Author’s Hideaway Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

REVIEW: The End of Worry by Van Der Hart & Waller



Date:                          2/22/14
Title:                           The End of Worry: Why We Worry and How to Stop  
Author:                        Will Van Der Hart and Rob Waller
ISBN 13:                       978-1451682809
Pages:                         240
Publisher:                    Howard Books
Cover:                         Paperback
Rating:                         4 Stars



             
We hear it all the time—we hear it from our spiritual leaders, we hear it from our doctors
and we hear it from our families, “Worrying is going to be the death of you.”

In The End of Worry: Why We Worry and How to Stop by Will Van Der Hart and Rob Waller dissect a)Why we worry, b)Understanding why we worry, and c) What happens when we worry. Humans tend to worry about things they cannot control. Some understand, while others don’t understand that worry can lead to unnecessary anxiety and real health problems.

The End of Worry is an interactive book that challenges its reader with exercises that helps to get to the root of worry and gives effective steps and tips on how to redirect stress into problem solving. The process can actually be quite therapeutic.

In addition the book ties into spiritual solutions to worry and gives biblical scripture as a point of reference. I love the prayers at the back of the book. Many do not know how to pray and this book helps in that area.

This book can be used by a single user or as the authors have indicated at the conclusion of the book, this book can be shared with other family members and even book clubs. This is definitely not one of those books you’ll read and just put on your bookshelf, this book will get plenty of use, end up with lots of writing and bent page corners.



Literary Wonders!/The Author’s Hideaway Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

REVIEW: I've Been Called the B* Word . . Now What Do I Do? by Dr. R. Kay Green


Date:                          11/29/12
Title:                           I’ve Been Called the B* Word . . . Now What Do I Do?
Author:                       Dr. R. Kay Green
ISBN 13:                      978-0-9858901-0-0
Pages:                         216
Publisher:                   RKG Marketing Solutions
Cover:                         Electronic Review Galley
Rating:                        4 Stars


 At some point in time, whether you’re in up management, a field worker or a business owner, if you’re a woman you’ve been called the B word—if not to your face, certainly behind your back. In this book, author Dr. R. Kay Green gives less attention to the derogatory “B” word and shows women how to associate themselves with more positive “B” words. Let’s face it, women have to work harder to get ahead in business more than ever, and it’s refreshing to associate women with “B” words like believer, brave, bubbly, bold, bright, and a ton of other positive descriptions of themselves.

This book gives tips on how to go from good to better and how to change your way of thinking. Many women do not succeed because of fear and it is important not to buy into that fear. You must have a game plan and set goals to get to where you need to go. One also must understand that just because something doesn’t go right the first time, or if you fall down, you must take notes, learn from those lessons then get back up and try a different approach. Try until you succeed.
Finding your niche is important, because when you find yourself being everything to everybody, you’re setting up yourself up for failure. But, when you find something you’re truly good at and that you truly enjoy, you are well on your way to success. The tips in the book are invaluable—branding, networking, vision, purpose, authenticity, and strategy.

Many of these chapters spoke to me, but one struck a personal code. Dress for the Career You Want, Not the One You Have. This is so true. Whether you know it or not, you’re branding yourself when you don’t even think you are. If you’re dressing drab for a job that you absolutely hate, you’ll remain stuck. Even if you don’t like your job, picture yourself in your successful position and dress for the occasion. We succeed when we feel good about ourselves and dressing the part can help. It is also important to remember if you’re going to wear a tailored suit, you must don a tailored attitude.

In addition this book touches on topics that every B woman must stay on top of in today’s competitive markets. These topics include technology, social media and getting in tune with the younger generation. These things along with all the tips described in this book help to keep you relative, competitive, marketable and successful.

I love books such as these that help women to become successful and this is definitely one that that I will purchase for my self-help bookshelf to refer to now and for years to come. 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

REVIEW: You Have It In You by Sheryl Brady


Date:                  10/12/12
Title:                   You Have It In You! Empowered to Do the Impossible
Author:               Sheryl Brady
ISBN 13:            978-1-456-7410-1
Pages:                 232
Publisher:            Howard Books/Simon & Schuster
Cover:                Hardcover
Rating:                4 Stars

                In You Have It In You! Empowered to Do the Impossible, author Sheryl Brady, gives personal details of her journey around the country only to end up where she started. Pastor Grady is a pastor of the world renowned Potters House in Dallas, Texas, founded by Bishop T.D. Jakes.
                Guided merely by faith, Sheryl was no stranger to moving from church to church, and from city to city. Her journey, which initially took her from the Potter’s House in Dallas, all the way to North Carolina and back to Dallas.
                My overall take away from this book was that if you allow your faith in God to guide you, He will always take care of you—no matter where he takes you. Sheryl Brady uses many biblical references to characters who showed tremendous amounts of faith, from Rahab to Joseph, to Ruth. In addition to blind faith, one must be obedient to the word of God and the author gives plenty of examples of this.
                This is certainly one of those inspirational titles that I will add to my personal library and refer to it throughout my journey.

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

Sunday, August 12, 2012

REVIEW: Unresolved Issues by Wanda B. Campbell



Date:                                8-12-12
Title:                                Unresolved Issues
Author:                           Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13:                          978-1-60162-724-7
Pages:                              302
Publisher:                       Urban Christian
Cover:                               Paperback
Reviewer:                        Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!  
Rating:                             5 -Stars


Unresolved Issues, by Wanda B. Campbell, was a great read. The author did a great job in developing the plot and the characters of the storyline and made them relatable to real life situations that Christians or anyone, for that matter, face on a regular basis.

Dr. Derrick Garrison, has always been an over achiever—every since he was abandoned by his father. Derrick, a successful, dentist has carried his daddy-issue-baggage well into adulthood and into his marriage.

Staceyln Garrison loved her husband, but she realizes that he has some unresolved issues; however, she thinks they have to do with her. Stacelyn, Staci for short, ignores the warning of her mother and the many warnings from God, that although Derrick was the man He had chosen for her, he was not ready to marry. Against God’s wishes, the two fall in love and marry, only to find their problems start immediately.

While Staci is waiting for Derrick to grow up, she decides she shouldn’t have to suffer at the whim of her husband’s hurtful ways, and befriends Malcolm. Malcolm has intentions for Staci, except she is to blind to see it. She ignores God’s whispers in her ear and she soon finds that ignoring God’s word has deadly consequences.

Unresolved Issues never gets boring and I found myself, throwing myself into the story as I talked to many of the characters. It was ironic that I know, and we all know, someone in this book that can relate to the characters in this book. Great read Wanda!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

30 Books in 90 Days Partial Reading List

Hey folks! As you all know, for the last few years, we have participated in Written Magazine's 30 Books in 90 Days Challenge and this year, the challenge starts, today, June 24th! Below, is our partial reading list.

In years past, we've tried to go past 30 books, and have been unsuccessful. However, each year we read more books than the year before. As with every year's challenge, this year, our goal is to read AT LEAST 30 books.

Join us in this challenge by going to Written Magazine's website and signing up and compiling your list. Summer time is one of the busiest times for new book releases, so there should be plenty for everyone to read.

Let the challenge begin, and, Happy Reading!

~~That Literary Lady


1.      The Guilt Trip – Pat Simmons
2.      Guilty by Association – Pat Simmons
3.      Yes! Energy – Loral Langemeier
4.      When Two Become One -  Alicia Hill Jones
5.      Identify: Your Passport to Success – Stedman Graham
6.      Sade’s Secret – Shelia M. Goss
7.      Ada’s Rules – Alice Randall
8.      The Whitney I Knew – BeBe Winans
9.      Five Elements of Effective Thinking – Edward Burger and Michael Starbird
1.   Master Class – Peter Spiers
1.   Five Star Temptation – Jacquelin Thomas
1.   Summer Vows – Rochell Allers
1.   Discovering Wes – Wes Moore
1.   Job – John H. Walton
1.   Lead Me, Holy Spirit – Stormy Omartain
1.   Heart Attack Proof – Michael Ozner, M.D.
1.   Jeremy Lin – Timothy Dalrymple
1.   What God Has Joined Together – Vanessa Harris



Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Invisible Enemies Virtual Book/Blog Tour


About the Author
Lynda D. Brown lives in St. Louis MO. She has one married son and a beautiful grandson. This is her second book, her first book, Once I Was Lost, was released in April of 2006, and she immediately began working on Invisible Enemies, which took four years to complete. Lynda has been researching Spiritual Warfare for the last six years, and in these last days, she wants to make sure that God's people do not perish due to lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

As an avid science fiction fan and a lover of all things supernatural, author Lynda D. Brown’s supernatural thriller series, Invisible Enemies is creating quite a buzz in the independent publishing field. Book one, Invisible Enemies was published in 2010 and became an immediate hit in the authors local library, and when book two, Seed of Satan: Leah’s Story, Book Two of the Invisible Enemies Series, arrived in January 2012, all copies were immediately checked out by fans that eagerly waited over a year for the sequel.

Visit the Author: http://www.authorchat.info


About the Book
Inspired by the Book of Job, Invisible Enemies reminds us that no matter what life throws our way, God is still in control! When God chooses Abby Harris as a pawn in his wager against Satan, poor Abby's life is turned upside down. Banned from her beloved church, Abby's hanging out with a new crew, drinking and getting high. When she runs into her sister's ex-boyfriend, they begin dating and soon she's pregnant and marries Randy Nelson. When the marriage turns sour, due to Randy's infidelities, Abby’s heart grows cold. By chance, she runs into a music producer who hears her singing, and overnight she becomes an R&B sensation. Abby plots to take her twins and leave her husband. When Randy finds out, he teams up with his ex, Candace, Abby's vengeful sister, to destroy her.


Book Review 
Date:                      5/10/12      
Title:                      Invisible Enemies     
Author:                   Lynda D. Brown      
ASIN:                      B0043M4SLS
Pages:                    260
Publisher:               Spoken Word Press
Cover:                   Electronic/E-Book
Reviewer:              Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant – Literary Wonders!  
Rating:                   3.5 Stars


           Invisible Enemies by Lynda D. Brown is, in a way, a good depiction of the battle between good and evil. This book started with an attention grabber and I liked how the author utilized the concept of spirits, both good and evil.
          Abby Harris is a child of God and everyone knew it from the day she was born. They also knew that God had great plans for her and He had great intentions for her in his kingdom. She was beautiful, donned a beautiful voice and she loved everyone—and everyone loved her, except members of her family.
          Abby’s siblings were jealous of her because everyone thought she was so perfect—including her own mother. When fallen angel, Satan, challenges God for Abby’s soul, they find out who really has the ultimate power. The devil pulls no punches in trying to infiltrate the Harris family by placing people and spirit guides in the family’s midst.  Early in the story, good and evil go toe to toe.
          I was initially filled with excitement with this book once it started. I commend the author for her creativity in writing about spiritual warfare and showing the “realism” that many of us refuse to address. It is funny how some Christians will read the bible and look at the world today and ask questions such as “How can God allow these things to happen?” when the truth is, he’s prophesied it in His word and with no holds barred. We tend to look at the bible through rose-colored glasses. The author gives realistic depictions of the demons we struggle with on a day-to-day basis.
          Literary Wonders! usually does not speak about editing issues in a review, unless those issues interfere with the flow and the readability of the story. Unfortunately, it would appear that this book was not edited as there were many typos, incorrect verb and noun agreements and other grammatical errors. In addition, there were many “time” inconsistencies, i.e., “this happened twelve years later” and a few paragraphs later “this happened a couple of years ago.” There was also a lot of receptiveness in this book.
          Over all, I enjoyed the book, and I feel it could have been and still can become a five-star title with a good editor to fix grammatical, spelling, inconsistencies and storyline development. Even so, I was able to understand that the premise of the book is, that good will always outdo evil, however, we have a choice. If we choose to leave the covering of God, we have chosen to face the consequences of doing so. 


Book Trailers:
Invisible Enemies Book Trailer http://youtu.be/RCr7NnK9sTI-

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Lynda Brown, author of INVISIBLE ENEMIES talks about the occult in her book http://tinyurl.com/7942quo
INVISIBLE ENEMIES author, Lynda Brown bestselling book available http://tinyurl.com/7942quo