Book Review: On Little Wings

Author:  Regina Sirois

Author's Website:  http://tapperandcompany.blogspot.com/2012/02/heart-day.html

About the book:

Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer’s quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for sixteen years. 

Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore, the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece together her mother’s story, she inadvertently writes one for herself.

My review:

I was excited when I was asked to review this book because I had heard so many good things about it.  A lot of what reviewers are saying is absolutely true.  Regina Sirois is a very talented new writer.  She has the unique ability of putting words together in a melodious way, and she writes descriptions that make the reader feel like they are in the middle of the beautiful scenes she creates.  Many of the emotions and relationships throughout the story touched my heart.

All of these things combined should have made this one of my favorite books, but I was somehow disappointed.  This story is YA literary fiction.  I'm not a huge fan of literary works, so that is probably part of the problem.  And even though the main character is a teenager, I'm not sure the story will appeal to the market for whom it's intended.  I don't think the pacing is fast enough, nor the story line exciting enough for today's young adult audience.  I also found the whole premise of the book a bit unbelievable.  I don't know many teenagers who are going to feel desperate enough to go against their parent's wishes to visit a long lost aunt they didn't know about.  Sadly, most teens just wouldn't care.  But from the other reviews I've read, maybe I'm missing the mark.  I'd encourage you to read the book and decide for yourself.

I am definitely interested in reading more works by this talented new author.  I'd especially like to see her write something for an adult audience.  To learn more about the author, please visit her website.  On Little Wings is available to purchase on Amazon.

Book Review: Targets in Ties

Author:  Tristi Pinkston

Author's Website: www.tristipinkston.com

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

About the book:

After two long years, Ren's mission is finally over, and it's time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out visiting the ruins in the Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf and then they'll head to Ren's mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they can do keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?

My review:

First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth.  It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends.  The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously.  Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters.  Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series. 

Targets in Ties is the fourth book in the series.  This time Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit Mexico to pick up Ida Mae's nephew from his mission.  In no time at all, they are sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery--the most dangerous one yet.

The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their antics.  Ida Mae, Tansy, and Arlette each have their own distinct personality, and Tristi has done a remarkable job giving each of them a voice you can recognize. 
 
The book is a fun read and is laugh-out-loud funny.  Every time I read the books in this series, I come away feeling uplifted and happier, and I think you will too.  Targets in Ties is available for purchase on Amazon.

The characters from Secret Sisters have their very own blog!  If you need a smile, be sure to check it out.  You can also learn more about Tristi by visiting her blog and website.

Contest:

In conjunction with this blog tour, Tristi is holding a contest.

Leave a comment on this blog post, and go visit Tristi's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower.  You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.

Book Review: Retirement Quest

Author:  John Hauserman

Author's Website:  http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx

About the book:

RetirementQuest: Make Better Decisions was written by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner who has been counseling clients since 1992. Drawing from his twenty years of experience, John Hauserman has developed a unique ability to communicate complex financial subject matter in easy to understand terms. Readers are guided through the basics of financial planning, while threads of politics, history, and psychology are woven together to create a tapestry of deeper understanding into the financial planning world. Complete with hard hitting insight into the practices and sometimes abuses of the financial services industry, John has created a masterpiece designed to help those responsible-minded investors who are seeking to avoid common planning mistakes.

My review:

Retirement Quest is a very organized, thought-provoking, look at retirement and how to prepare for your financial future.  It gives the reader an unbiased look at different types of investments, while providing tools for the reader to make educated decisions for themselves.  It covers many topics including, goal setting, risk reduction, and an informative look at the impending financial construct of the future.

I have a business/finance background, so I really enjoyed the book.  But, It's definitely not a light read.  The average reader might find it a bit overwhelming, but it's chock full of great information and reading it is definitely worth your time.

RetirementQuest is available for purchase on Amazon.  Check out the RetirementQuest website for an interactive planning tool and free classes.

About the author:

John Hauserman, CFP  is the chief executive officer of Retirement Journey, LLC. He oversees the details of the RetirementQuest planning experience.
Baltimore Magazine named John a five-star wealth manager, based on nine criteria, including customer service, communications, value for fee charge, and overall satisfaction.

In 2011 John was named the Baltimore area regional ambassador serving on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner (TM) Board of Standards.

Perfect Just the Way You Are

 

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you were meant to be. ~George Sheehan

I LOVE the feeling of new beginnings--my birthday, a new school year, and best of all a brand new year!  I've got a clean slate--a fresh new start, and another chance to commit to the health, love, and life I want for myself.  Today (and everyday for that matter) I get to consciously design my destiny for 2012 exactly the way I want it to be.

As this year began, I felt hopeful.  I had grand ideas about what I was going to accomplish.  They were the usual things--be more spiritual, thinner, more organized, and just a wee bit closer to perfect.  I read books about goal setting, made a list of things I'd like to achieve, and then . . . froze!  I couldn't start any of them. You see, I have this disorder called PERFECTIONISM.  If I can't do something perfect, I shy away from doing it at all.  Now, I know this is stupid.  I mean, honestly, if I can't eat perfectly or exercise every day of the week, 3, 4, or 5 out of 7 is better than nothing, right?   Intellectually, I get that.  But it's still something I struggle with every single day.  It causes me a TON of frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

As a result, I've been reading a lot about personal motivation, happiness, and change; looking for something that will make a difference in my perspective. One author advocates telling yourself, "I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am." Let me repeat that . . .

I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am. 

And so are you!!

I think it's time that we all resolve to accept and love ourselves exactly where we are. Without all the improvements that we could doubtless make, without the pressure to be better. Without the voice of our mother, or father, or third grade teacher that we carry in our head.

What a concept, to just be at peace with who and what we are right now. Does this mean that we should remain stagnant or refuse to make changes that would benefit our lives? Not at all! It simply means loving yourself now!

So that is my goal this year.  I'm going to learn to love myself.

As far as dealing with the issue of perfection, I've decided rather than tackling everything at once, I'm going to make one small goal per month.  I figure working on the same thing all month will allow the necessary time to cultivate some new healthy habits.  I figure if I work on 12 new habits this year and if even half of them stick, I'll be closer to my ultimate goals of health and happiness.

How about you?  What are your goals for this year, and what's your plan of attack?

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.