Book Review: Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Author's Website: www.heatherjustesen.com

Genre: Romance/Women's Fiction

About the book:

Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated. Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.


When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of? As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.

My Review:

Family by Design is not your traditional love story where boy and girl meet, fall in love, and then get married.  It's a topsy-turvy love story that had me cheering for Tucker and Rena from the very beginning.  The fact that, at a very personal cost, they wanted to provide a home for Tucker's recently orphaned niece and nephew give you a glimpse into their characters.  I loved watching their relationship grow and develop and couldn't help cheering them on, hoping that it would all turn out well in the end.  Heather does a superb job at portraying the feelings of her characters.  More than once Rena's emotions felt all too personal.


I highly recommend all of Heather Justesen's books, but Family by Design is my favorite.  It's an unusual love story full of unexpected events and tender scenes.  To learn more about Heather and her other books please visit her website and blog.  Family by Design is available on Amazon and at other retailers.

Special Offer:

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, "Shear Luck."  Once you buy a copy of her book go here to get your free copy.

Book Review: Faithful, Fit, & Fabulous

Author: Connie E. Sokol 

Author's Website: 8basics.com 

Genre: Non-fiction Self-help 

About the book:

Filled with humor and "I can relate" life experiences, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous is the ideal life boost--no guilt, no feeling overwhelmed, and no reaching for that pan of brownies.  Connie E. Sokol shares gospel principles from scriptures, priceless gems from general conference addresses, and much more along with ways to readily apply them in your busy daily life.  Finally focus on priorities while enjoying the process.  Goal-setting has never been more simple, fun, and rewarding!  Let Faithful, Fit & Fabulous show you how!

My Review: 

Lately, I've been at a point in my life where I feel ready for a change.  I'm so happily married that I can hardly see straight, I have great kids who for the most part make good choices, I have a great job, yet I still often feel unsettled.  I feel this need for personal growth.  I'm ready to find my purpose in life and become the person I know that I truly am.

This is exactly what Faithful, Fit & Fabulous is all about.  It identifies the following eight areas that profoundly affect our happiness:

Holy Habits

A Personal Life Plan

Being Fit and Fabulous

Finances

Joy in Womanhood

Balance in Motherhood

Organization

Relationships

Sokol focuses one chapter on each of these essential topics.  The great thing about the book is that you can start exactly where you are.  Pick the chapter that speaks to you and start there!  For me it was Balance in Motherhood.  I picked up some great ideas and have made some goals to implement them.

The book includes timeless counsel from LDS leaders, but does not come across as overly religious.  There's something in it for everyone and I highly recommend it.  It is available on Amazon.  You can also learn more about the author at her website, 8basics.com where she has many other resources for getting back to the basics and transforming your life.  

Book Review: No Holly for Christmas

Author:  Julie N. Ford

Author's Website:  JulieNFord.com 

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

About the book:

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he's ever loved, he's all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone's holiday reading list.

My Review:

No Holly for Christmas is not your traditional feel good Christmas story, but it's definitely an engaging read.  In my opinion, characterization is the strongest element of the story.  The two main characters each had unique personality quirks that made them authentic and appealing.  I enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the book.  The supporting characters were also well-portrayed and a valuable addition.  The romantic elements were well-developed, including obstacles to be overcome, and some heart-racing sexual tension between the characters.

I thought the pacing of the story could have been somewhat improved.  I was over 100 pages into the story before I felt like I couldn't put it down and wanted to read more.   But, overall, I would definitely recommend the book, and look forward to reading more by Julie N. Ford.

To learn more about the author, please visit her website and blog.  No Holly for Christmas can be purchased on Amazon.

Book Review: Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans

Author:  Amy Cotta 

Author's Website:  www.amycotta.tv 

Publication Date:  December 2011 

Publisher:  Rodale

About the Book:

We all have a pair: those frumpy, roomy, "fat jeans" we reach for when a few (or more than a few) extra pounds have banished our favorite "skinny jeans" to the back of the closet. Well, get ready to toss those fat jeans, because personal trainer and fitness expert Amy Cotta is here to help you tone up, slim down, and stay motivated until you can shimmy back into those sexy skinny jeans for good. Cotta believes that the key to skinny jeans success is threefold: diet, exercise, and attitude. Her 6-week eating plan trims fast-burning carbohydrates for the first 3 weeks, ignites weight loss, then reintroduces and manages those carbs for the second half of the plan. Her graduated fitness plan offers three styles of cardio and strength-training exercises that get progressively more challenging to keep you from getting bored or hitting a plateau while you sculpt those curves. Both plans are simple to follow in your own home--no gym, fancy equipment, or expensive food deliveries required--and there are calendars, food logs, and meal plans to help you stay upbeat and organized. Packed with dynamic, down-to-earth strategies, Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans will inspire you to take control of your lifestyle and feel younger, sexier, and fitter than ever before.

My review:

I love reading books about fitness and nutrition.  I really enjoyed Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans.  It is full of helpful information and inspiring real-life stories.  Amy Cotta starts out with her own personal story which gives her credibility.  Cotta's three tier-philosophy to fitness includes diet, exercise, and attitude (DEA).  She argues that with only one or two of these elements you can make a small change temporarily, but that all three are required for long-term success.

The book is set up to read week-by-week.  Each week includes elements from Cotta's DEA philosophy, as well as a detailed action plan, workout schedule, and checklist to complete at the end of the week to track your progress. Perhaps the most unique thing about the Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans plan are the workouts.  First, they are designed to be completed at home, so anyone can do it.  All you need is a pair or dumbbells or a resistance band.  Three workouts are included: blast, firm, and burn.  The book includes photos of each exercise, and suggestions are given to make them easier or harder based on your own fitness level.  There is also a stretching routine Cotta calls The Daily Lube to help prevent muscle soreness and to thank your body for all of its hard work.

I've read a lot of fitness books and was pleasantly surprised with all the new information presented in Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans.  It's definitely worth adding to your fitness library.  The book promises that you'll drop two pant sizes in six weeks by following the plan.  Unfortunately, for me, two pant sizes still doesn't equate to "skinny jeans."  But progress, not perfection, right?

Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans will be released December 20, 2011.  It is now available for pre-order on Amazon.  Learn more about the book and register to win a copy by visiting Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans on facebook.  You can also join the Amy Cotta Challenge.

For more health and fitness information, visit my new blog at happyandfitby40.com.

The best present EVER!!

Yesterday was my birthday.  I'm not a huge fan of birthdays, and even less a fan of presents.  I'm not really sure why.  Perhaps it's because one thing I hate more than anything is being the center of attention.  But this year I received the best present EVER!  My oldest daughter made me a book.  You'll see as we move further into this journey how much I love books.  But this wasn't just any kind of book.  It was a book all about me!  She titled it 100 Reasons . . .

 

 It was a list of 100 things that she loves about me.  Now, seriously, what parent of a teenager thinks their child could come up with 100 things?  That being said, my daughter is not really your typical teen.  She doesn't talk back, disobey, or be respectful.  In fact, I don't think we even got in any kind of disagreement until a couple years ago.  And even then, it wasn't severe. I won't bore you with the whole list of 100, but here are some of my favorite:

I can talk to you about anything.

You're sensitive to my being sensitive.

You help me learn to love myself.

You always remind me that everything happens for a reason.

You taught me what real beauty is.

You don't get mad when I butcher vegetables when we are making dinner.

You've shared your love of books with me.

You say sorry even when it's hard.

You've helped me learn how to be independent.

What a great kid!  She's such a blessing in my life.

   

 Now, you are probably wondering how all of this applies to you, right?  I'm sure that each of you have people in your life who give you compliments, or tell you good things about yourself.  A few months ago, I started a folder in my email titled, "Feel Good Emails." Anytime I receive something that uplifts my spirit, whether it's directed specifically at me, or just feel good information, I drop it into that folder.  I even move all my favorite text messages into it.  On days when I need a pick-me-up, I read through that folder.  Sounds kind of hokey, but it really helps!  Try it and let me know how it works.

What do you do on days when you need your spirits lifted?

Deal of the Day - 3D Photos!

Your Photos...now in 3D! 

 

Today's deal features one of the hottest trends right now...3D photo gifts from Snapily! These are not your typical greeting card. Instead, Snapily uses lenticular printing that simulate 3D effects and animated images! These products are not available anywhere else and feature two of the most unique offerings...  

1) Personalized 3D products...no glasses required. The images on the page jump out at you! 

2) Animated /Motion photo gifts...where 2 images are displayed in the space of a single picture. This is great for before /after, siblings, naughty/nice, and when you can't decide which picture you love best! 

 

This is your chance to stock up on these great products! From greeting cards, t-shirts and even ornaments and a GREAT price!   

  

 Today's Deal of the Day: $9 for $20 of products at Snapily.com 

  

*Deal will end 10/5/11 at 11:59pm MST

*Shipping not included  
*Coupon valid for 6 months from purchase date

*Limit of 3

*One coupon redeemable per transaction


What a fun way to send your Christmas cards this year!  Click here to order yours now.

The Story of My Life

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost . . . I am helpless
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in . . . it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

Luckily, I think I'm in Chapter 4.  I can't wait to see what Chapter 5 brings!