REVIEW: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher

Date:                         6/1/13

Title:                         Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not

Author:                    Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher

ISBN 13:                   978-1-4516-9845-9

Pages:                       367

Publisher:                Howard Books

Cover:                        Hardcover

Rating:                      4 Stars

I really didn't think I'd like this book at first, but as I did, I began to enjoy it. The love story,

sometimes temulchous relationship between Casey and Daniel crosses several in between failed relationships as Casey struggles to find herself and what and who she wants in life. Daniel is a dreamer who wants to be musician is stuck in limbo trying to love Casey as she looks for love in all the wrong places, and trying to catch a break writing the next great rock hit.

More doubt comes when Daniel decides to ask another woman to marry him,not knowing that the marriage between his true love and her husband would be coming to an end. It seems that the stars just aren't aligned for Daniel and Casey.

I think this book is even safe your YA readers. It is clean and holds a message that as adults we try to do what we think is best. We will make mistakes regardless, we just need to hope and pray that we eventually get it, and before its too late.

REVIEW: Beulah's Jewels by Charlene Tate

Date:               6/3/13

Title:                Beulah’s Jewels            

Author:            Charlene Tate

ISBN:                978-0615763613

Pages:              381   

Publisher:        Charlene Tate

Cover:              Paperback     

Rating:             3 Stars

Beulah’s Jewels, by Charlene Tate, is a spicy true to life biography type Novel that dates back to

1899. The book documents the life of the authors mother Beulah along with a few other relevant family characters.

Reading this reminded me of some of my family members back in the day and a time where children knew they had better leave the room when grown folks were talking. This story at the very least and is chock full of humor. It is also free flowing with its fair share of profanity, which I understand is needed to get the full feel of Beulah and the other characters.

However being an editor, I found it hard to take my editors cap off. Normally editing errors in a review are not mentioned unless they interrupt the flow of the story line. There were several instances where the story line didn’t seem to flow. In other instances, paragraphs were nearly page long, as well as improper transitions between chapters. A few chapters transitioned without titles. There were also times that I could not figure out if the author was referring to Juanita or Beulah.

The book is a good story but I just couldn't get past the editing or lack of. I certainly do anticipate the author’s next story,

REVIEW: Earn More Tips on Your Very Next Shift by Steve DiGioia

Date:                         5/17/13

Title:                         Earn More Tips on Your Very Next Shift . . . Even if You’re a Bad   Waiter!

Author:                     Steve DiGioia

ISBN 13:                    978-0989070201

Pages:                        82

Publisher:                 Steve DiGioia

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                       4 Stars

I found this book humorous and enlightening. I’m not a waiter, however, I eat out all the

time and often complain of bad service received from unqualified, untrained and uncaring waiters and waitresses.

Although I believe many of the tips in this book will work on the average customer, many would not work on me. However, I think many waiters and waitresses should read this book, because I do believe that some, the really, really bad ones might stand a chance and receive an actual tip or a larger one. 

I like the various scenarios the author gives in each chapter and the things a waiter or waitress should never do, like never refer to a customer’s gender or age, and my favorite that says if you cannot relate to a customer in a professional manner, then this business may not be for you. Kudos to Steve. Thank you for giving waiters and waitress valuable tools to make my restaurant experience a better one that will ultimately put more money in their pockets.

Literary Wonders received a free copy of this book from Steve DiGioia for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our reviewers own. 

REVIEW: Madeline's Protector by Vanessa Riley

Date:                         5/11/13

Title:                         Madeline’s Protector

Author:                     Vanessa Riley

ISBN 13:                   978-1611162264

Pages:                       344

Publisher:                White Rose Publishing

Cover:                        Spiral Bound ARC

Rating:                      3 Stars

Madeline’s Protector by Vanessa Riley is my first experience with the Regent Genre. In fact,

I had never heard of it until this title. Madeline’s Protector is very detailed in its writing and it is apparent that the author did much research during her journey in writing this book.

However, the story did not capture me. It did pique my curiosity, but it is not something that I would purchase in the future. I want to make certain that my opinion is not based on the genre or even the author’s story; it just was something I couldn’t fully get into. It took me a while to get into as it was not that interesting to me. Again, there may be others that like this genre—just as western romance are not my cup of tea—neither is the regents genre.

I am sure that someone will love and appreciate this title more than I did. I do like how the author introduced it to me, researched and taught me a little in reading this book. I hate to be the bad reviewer in the bunch, but I am certain there are others will find this book spot on.

Literary Wonders received a free copy of this book from White Rose Publishing, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our reviewers own. 

REVIEW: Healing in the Vessel by Jacqueline Goodwin

Date:                         5/13/13

Title:                         Healing in the Vessel: A Mother’s Love, A Daughter’s Journey of Faith

Author:                     Jacqueline Goodwin

ISBN 13:                    978-0970500847

Pages:                       133

Publisher:                J&J Publishing

Cover:                       Paperback

Rating:                     4 Stars

In Healing the Vessel author Jacqueline is refreshingly transparent as she shares her trials

and tribulations with her readers. WE all go through bad times in our lives—some more than others.

Jacqueline shows her readers how she faced each challenge with the help of God and the undying love of her mother. With the trials of an disloyal husband, attempted suicide, the loss of a job and the eventual loss of her mother, the devil tried to tell her that she would fail. Using her faith in God and consgtant prayer, Jackie overcame and continues to overcome trials that may come her way.

This book is inspirational for those who may be down trodden. Each chapter is complete with questions for meditation.  The author also uses scripture as reference for readers. This book is an easy and fast read and sure to inspire many.

Literary Wonders received a free copy of this book from J&J Publishing, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our reviewers own. 

REVIEW: The Lord is My Shepherd by Robert J Morgan

Date:                         5/10/13

Title:                         The Lord is My Shepherd: Resting in the Peace and Power Psalm 23

Author:                     Robert J. Morgan

ISBN 13:                    978-1451664729

Pages:                        200

Publisher:                 Howard Books

Cover:                         Hardcover

Rating:                       4 Stars

I loved being inspired and I love reading books that inspire me. The Lord is My Shepherd

by Robert J. Morgan is no exception. Never have I read a book of this kind that breaks down Psalms 23 in the way Mr. Morgan does.

There was no need for this author to mention that he is a pastor, because it shows in this writing. The way words and clarity he uses to show readers how Psalms 23 does everything it says.

Quoting Dr. Robert C. McQuilkin, infusing them with heartwarming stories and following them up with scripture gives comfort to many.  Kudos to Robert J. Morgan.

Literary Wonders received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our reviewers own. 

REVIEW: Booker T: From Prison to Promise by Booker T

Date:                         5/9/13

Title:                         Booker T: From Prison to Promise

Author:                     Booker T. Huffman

ISBN 13:                    978-1605424682

Pages:                        211

Publisher:                 Medallion Press

Cover:                        Paperback

Rating:                      4 Stars

The autobiography of Booker T Huffman, written with Andrew William Wright, is a very poignant book on the early life of Booker T Huffman world champion wrestler. The book is

a very good read for anyone who is having a rough time in life.  The book depicts the early years of Booker T from the rough years of childhood, prison time and the rise to being an asset to society. 

I truly recommend this book for any young person who has not found their goal in life.  In his younger years, Booker T endured loss of parents, abandonment, bad decisions and prison time.  But through it all, he still had the strength to overcome and not succumb to a life of crime. 

I am waiting for the continuation of this book because the ending dictates there will be one.  You will have to read the book to understand what I mean. This book has the potential to motivate a young mind, so I can recommend the book to any teen organization.  Bravo to Booker T Huffman and Andrew William Wright.            

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.

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.  

REVIEW: Iscariot by Tosca Lee

Date:                          3/31/13

Title:                           Iscariot

Author:                       Tosca Lee

ISBN 13:                      978-1451683981

Pages:                         352

Publisher:                    Howard Books

Cover:                         Paperback

Rating:                        5 Stars

Tosca Lee is an excellent story teller. Her novel, ISCARIOT, A NOVEL OF JUDAS, combines biblical

information and a background story that truly makes one contemplate the depth of the resurrection and those involved.

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

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

REVIEW: 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.

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: Lone Bean by Chudney Ross

Date:                 3/20/13

Title:                  Lone Bean

Author:              Chudney Ross

ISBN 13:           978-0061660115

Pages:             208

Publisher:         Amistad

Cover:              Paperback

Rating:              4 Stars

Chrysanthemum "Lone" Bean is the youngest of three girls. Her father is a music teacher and her mother is a ob-gyn nurse. The summer is coming to an end. Lone Bean is excited about seeing her best friend, Carla and starting the third grade. The excitement is short lived. This year will be full of surprises.

Lone Bean is a quick read that illustrates some of the issues third graders experience. This would be an excellent book for a parent and child to read together.

REVIEW: Nikki and Deja Wedding Drama by Karen English

Date:                 3/20/13

Title:                  Nikki and Deja Wedding Drama

Author:              Karen English

ISBN 13:           978-0547615646

Pages:              12

Publisher:         Clarion Books

Cover:              Paperback

Rating:              3 Stars

Nikki and Deja are best friends. Their teacher is getting married has has two invitations to give out. She has a drawing the the girls won. They are excited and looking forward to attending but one experiences some hard times. Will they both be in attendance?

This is my first read by Karen English. It is part of series but can be read as a stand alone. This wouldn't necessarily appeal to little boys. It's a quick read I would recommend.