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: 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: The Chaos Imperative by Brafman and Pollack

Date:               9/20/13

Title:               The Chaos Imperative

Author:           Ori Brafman and Judah Pollack

ISBN 13:          978-0-307-88667-5

Pages:              224

Publisher:      Crown Publishing

Cover:              Paperback

Rating:            2 Stars

I received an advanced reader copy of The Chaos Imperative as part of the Vine Program.  In this book, the author uses many Hollywood references and many instances I deem common sense. I felt that this book missed the mark on teaching me something or helping in a sense.  The book however, are chock full of inspiring stories, so if that was the intent, then kudos to the author, but somehow, I don’t think that was the actual intent.  The title was very on point, because once I read the book, I was left wondering okay, did I miss the point and felt a little chaotic in my thoughts of trying to figure out the real purpose of this book. I could have missed it.

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. 

BLOG TOUR: A Nothing Named Silas w/Steve Westover

About the Author

Steve Westover lives in a small Midwestern town with his wife and four kids. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Political Science and currently works in banking.

Steve also has a middle-grade fantasy series with two books released to date: Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island (March 2012) and Crater Lake: Return of the Mystic Gray (Apr. 2013). Steve has also published two FBI thrillers: Defensive Tactics (Aug. 2010) and the sequel, Gold Clash (Dec. 2012). To learn more about Steve, visit his website, www.stevewestover.com.

About the Book

You are here because the Citizens put you here to serve them and because the Regents

choose to control your lives.

In the not-so-distant future, workers are forcibly drafted into their fields. With all their choices made for them, the workers must do what they’re told or face severe consequences. When Labor chooses Silas, the tyrannical Labor Regent is determined to make him a public example of her complete control. He is humiliated, manipulated, and isolated during his first week under the Shield, and the people who show him kindness only help him because they have ulterior motives.

But the Regent is not the only one pulling Silas’s strings. The mysterious Gideon wants to mold him into a hero, a champion of the oppressed people. And a strange girl seems to be guiding him to find out more about the Citizens they serve. Through it all, no one bothers to ask Silas what he wants to do. Because, after all, he doesn’t have any rights. He doesn’t really exist.

Wade through twisted government conspiracies and deeply buried secrets alongside Silas as he learns to choose for himself—and discovers the cost of freedom.

Visit Steve at http://stevewestover.com/Home.html or view his blog tour schedule at http://blog.cedarfort.com/blog-tour-a-nothing-named-silas/

Feature Friday: Steve Digioia

Author Steve DiGioia has been in the hotel & restaurant business, in one manner or another, for 25+ years.

From a summer internship as a 16 year old “prep-cook” in Chicago, to Brooklyn NY banquet waiter, then booking agent, catering sales manager & room service manager, to restaurant director and director of banquets, he has seen some of the best and worst at their trade.

Known as “the ops guy” during his tenure at Hilton Hotels, Steve has redefined the operational and service standards for multiple food and beverage departments for some of the best names in the industry.

Using a hands-on approach, he has developed multiple training programs and personally mentored countless employees that have successfully moved on to supervisor and senior management positions.

Still active in the business, Steve has put together this collection of those same straightforward no-nonsense tactics that he continues to use and that will improve the customer service

mindset of your employees. When that happens, the result is bigger tips for the employees and increased revenue and repeat business for your company.

Steve has learned what REALLY works! Now he will teach it to you!

So Waiters, What Are You Going To Do About It?

I wrote a book about earning more tips on your very next shift, even if you’re a bad waiter and it will help, guaranteed!  It’s the book you have been waiting for. 

It’s what you must have to earn more tips, bigger tips, tips that will change your life!  Don’t you want that? 

So how can this book help you?  What can you learn from this that is different from whatever else you’ve been taught & doing?  Let’s take a step back for a moment…

During my research to prepare for writing this book, I scoured the internet for information that was already written by others on this topic.  I wanted to see what the competition was up to and was amazed by what I found.  Actually I was embarrassed.

Some of the recommendations were so bad that I had to stop looking.  Did ANY of these people ever actually work as a waiter, a bartender or manage a restaurant?  If so, they probably were not very successful.

Listen to Steve's interview here or click here to listen to it on iTunes. 

BLOG TOUR: Warm Up Your Winter: Holiday Hot Chocolate and Cider Recipes w/Laura Powell

About the Author

Laura Powell grew up in the Salt Lake Valley. She gained a passion for cooking from her mother and created her own recipe book as a young girl along with participating in a summer cooking program through the Deseret News. She began her blog, realmomkitchen.com, in April of 2008 as a way to showcase her passion for cooking. Since then, realmomkitchen.com has turned into her own small business. Laura continues to reside in Utah with her husband and 3 children.

About the Book

Snuggle up next to the fire! While winter rages outside, nothing beats a steaming mug of hot chocolate or cider. Warm up Your Winter includes delightful recipes like Classic Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate, and Hot Caramel Apple Cider. Also included are topping recipes and ideas on how to serve up a hot beverage bar for an unforgettable holiday get-together.

Author of Real Mom Kitchen, Laura Powell brings you a collection of recipes sure to get you toasty on even the coldest evenings. Don’t just survive the winter—warm it up! 

Visit Laura at http://realmomkitchen.com/ or view her blog tour schedule at http://blog.cedarfort.com/blog-tour-warm-up-your-winter-holiday-hot-chocolate-and-cider-recipes/

BLOG TOUR: Marriage 101 For Men w/Sherri Mills

About the Author

Sherri Mills has been a hairdresser for over 45 years. She has had her own salon long enough to see life happen before her very eyes. She has listened to real-life problems and followed real-life outcomes—-successes and failures—and through several generations, longer and more extensively than marriage counselors can.

In her practice she has seen the pain from too many divorces that didn’t have to happen. She has been obsessed with trying to save as many marriages as she can.

Sherri’s first book, I Almost Divorced my Husband but I Went on Strike Instead, was written to women, with detailed instructions on how to deal with the double-duty double standard of householder work and how to have more appreciation for their own husbands.

Men wanted instructions of their own, so Sherri outlined in this book real solutions to issues that sabotage marital accord. The book is written in such a manner as to make sense to the male partner in the marriage.

About the Book

Get out of the doghouse and back into the bedroom simply by swapping the TV remote for the

toilet brush! Whether you’ve been married for three months or thirty years, failing to help around the house remains a major cause of discord. Following this book’s principles, a husband learns to decrease disputes and increase intimacy by:

•  owning his share of household work
• listening to his wife’s needs and communicating his own
• spending the time on chores now to make more time for love later.

Using Marriage 101 for Men as a guide, you’ll be able to understand, alleviate, and ultimately eliminate the symptoms of stress in your relationship and be happier and more satisfied with all aspects of your marriage.

Visit Sherri at http://www.sherrimillsauthor.com/ or view her blog tour scheduled at http://blog.cedarfort.com/blog-tour-marriage-101-for-men-extended-tour/

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.”