Janitor -Guest Blogger Aubrey

 About the Book:

No one takes Spencer Zumbro seriously when he tried to warn his classmates about the mysterious things prowling the halls and classrooms of Welcher Elementary School. But when he sees Marv, the janitor, going after one of the creatures with a vacuum, he knows he's not the only one who can see them.

With the help of his new friends, Daisy, Spencer has to find out what the janitors know. The children's search uncovers the magic taking place behind the scenes of their seemingly ordinary school, where a battle is being waged for the minds of the students. Who can be trusted – and can Spencer and Daisy protect their school and possibly the world?

About the Author:
Tyler Whitesides worked as a janitor at an Elementary school to put himself through college. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. In addition to writing YA novels, Tyler is an avid composer and arranger of instrumental music. He and his wife, Connie (who teaches third grade) live in Logan, Utah.


My Review:

The book Janitor starts out with two normal kids who don't know each other. The setting starts in a classroom. These kids get to know each other and adventures happen.

The author Mr. Whitesides wrote the book in an exciting way, he wrote the book with enthusiasm and adventure. I read this book in a short amount of time because it was so good I did not want to put the book down.

I would recommend this story to anyone who loves books and children's fantasy. This book is awesome for teens and older children who are are older readers. The storyline was clean, easy to follow, and unpredictable, I loved that about the book. This book left me wanting more good thing I had two more to read!

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing this book to read and review.

Aubrey

Blackmoore

About the Novel:
Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals. Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain sooner rather than later and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free? Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart.

About the Author:
Debut novelist Julianne Donaldson is a hopeless romantic. Her degree in English has only fueled her passion to write. She and her husband live in Salt Lake City, Utah, with their four children, but she takes every opportunity she can to travel the English countryside.

My Review:

This page turning romance novel, was filled with the ebb and flow of love, romance and adventure. Never have I had a novel open up as these characters did on the page. This novel changed from present day to past experiences that happened. The reader was never left to wonder, the details were so clear and concise. My mind could visualize these characters. Mrs. Donaldson depicted her characters so well, it was easy as a reader to feel for these people.

Last night, I finished reading this amazing story, which kept me wanting more; I hope there is more. I could not put this novel down, when I went to bed, I did not want to disturb my husband, and so I turned on a flashlight and read until two in the morning.

I would recommend this clean read to anyone who is a romantic at heart. I have never felt as gripped by a story as this one. I love reading, and I love many novels, but this one was different, it had suspense, love and mystery. This novel is set in an era where families arranged marriages based on social status. In this case Henry Delafield was to marry Ms. St. Claire. The lead character Kate Worthington grew up with Henry; however, Kate had seen such horrible examples of love in her life, or should I say a loveless family, which she vowed she would never marry Henry or any other person. Kate was easy to like and to see how she struggled. It wasn't until she was at her beloved Blackmoore the place she dreamed of going for years. The one place she had never been able to go, and yet the stories that her bestfriends Sylvia and Henry would tell her of Blackmoore, this made Kate dream of going to this beautiful place. It wasn't until she was at Blackmoore that many of her struggles became apparent. It wasn't until she was at Blackmoore that Kate and Henry faced real truth.

Your heart will soar, your heart will swell, and your heart will break. This is a wonderful must read story. This is a clean, beautiful romance. A proper romance!!

I was given a free reviewers copy of this novel to read and write my honest review. I was not paid. Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to review this novel. Thank you Julianne Donaldson for writing such a worthy novel.

I give this book a full five star review.

Sandie

Longing for Home

 About the book:
Though she was only a child during the darkest days of Ireland’s Great Famine, Katie Macauley feels responsible for the loss of her family’s land and the death of her sister. Now a woman grown, Katie has left Ireland for America and the promise of earning money enough to return home again and plead for her family’s forgiveness. She arrives in Hope Springs, Wyoming Territory, a town sharply divided between the Americans who have settled there, with their deep hatred of the Irish, and the Irish immigrants who have come searching for a place to call home. Her arrival tips the precarious balance, and the feud erupts anew. Even in the midst of hatred and violence, however, Katie finds reason to hope. Two men, as different as they are intriguing, vie for her heart, turning her thoughts for the first time toward a future away from Ireland. Katie must now make the hardest decision of her life: stay and give her heart a chance at love, or return home and give her soul the possibility of peace.

About the Author:

Sarah M. Eden read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster.

Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.


My Review:

While reading this novel one can only realize what a wonderful job that Ms. Eden did developing characters, history, and the storyline. I enjoyed getting to know these characters in this novel, the descriptions were exactly what I would picture in my minds eye these characters to be. I could envision, the accents, the surroundings, and the wind in Wyoming, because I have traveled Wyoming for the last eight and a half years, the wind if brutal. I could picture Katie and Tavish, I could feel the hurt that they each had suffered.

This is a story of, Katie, a young lady who travels to Wyoming to earn the money to return to her family in Ireland. She has had hardship after hardship, yet she keeps trying so she can return home. Katie, is stubborn, she has scares on her heart. Yet, in this small town of Hope Springs, she finds a sense of belonging.

This novel is for all those who love a good, clean romance. This novel is one that those who read will not likely want to put down, I found that I was easily lost in the storyline. My heart broke for Katie, and all she had endured, but I also cheered at all her triumphs and cried with her during challenges.

I give this novel a full five stars, it was one of the best love story I have read in a very long time. I would recommend this novel for anyone young and old since this is such a good clean read.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to review this novel. I was given a free reviewers copy of the novel for my honest review. I was not paid for this review. I can not wait to read the sequel in the Spring of 2014.

Sandie



Drawing Out The Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice

 About the Book:
In an autobiographical meditation brimming with exuberance and hope, StarChild comic book creator James A. Owen seeks to show how we can all harness our potential and become luminaries in the world—and he has the experience to back it up.

Owen’s story contains no shortage of potentially catastrophic incidents. To his credit, and to the reader’s delight, he relates these with both tranquility and humor. He first recalls the event that nearly ended his budding career, when an errant young driver turned into his car and crushed his drawing hand. For a man whose work revolved around illustrations, the injury had potential for ruination. Yet Owen heads this prologue with the curious reflection, “the real tragedy was that I’d finally figured out [how to tune] the radio.” Cue audience devotion.

This is not just another story of incredible perseverance in the face of immense challenges, although it contains those elements. Owen, on his probable death bed at age eleven, reads a reimagined Superman tale and resolves that he is going to live to contribute meaningfully to the world. He does.

Owen, at sixteen, decides that he’s going to start a printing press to actualize his dreams of comic book greatness despite outside resistance. He does. Owen, in his early twenties, sells everything to pursue a job in Ireland. Down to a dollar in his pocket, he pushes connected aspirations into reality here, as well.
How Owen manages to relate these triumphs without making his audience feel comparatively meek is a wonder, but he does this, too. And all of his experiences are shared to push one persistent encouragement: “if you really want to do something, no one can stop you.”

Owen is convinced, and seeks to infect his audience with the conviction, that life is, indeed, composed of a series of choices. If one resolves—really resolves—to achieve some daunting goal, it can be achieved, without exception or condition. Owen counts the times he was told “no” or “impossible,” notes that he never accepted such repudiations as absolute, and relates how he wrangled incredible personal success—all on the steam of personal resolution.

So, too, can we all forge our personal success stories, Owen insists. We can reject the temptations of regret and fear, without which “there’s nothing left but possibility and joy.” We can actualize our grandest dreams, and bring them to bear for the good of humanity. These are lofty propositions, but Owen delivers them with such charm and conviction that readers will find it difficult to escape his enchantment. This work is an astounding manifesto for creativity, sure to alternately move and inspire its readers.

About the Author:
James A. Owens is the founder and executive director of Coppervale International, an art and design studio that published the periodicals International Studio and Argosy, develops television and film projects, and is redesigning an entire town, among other ventures. James has written and illustrated two dozen StarChild comics, the MythWorld series of novels, the bestselling Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series, and more. He lives in Arizona with his family.

My Review: 
The Author Mr. Owens does a good job discussing choice and the power of decision making. As a Choice/Reality therapist, I know how important the power of choice can become in the lives of those who need guidance and encouragement. This book is filled with examples of how the power of choice and positive thinking in one's self can change the course of one's life.

Mr. Owens story about his own personal life is inspiriting and motivating. Throughout the book, Mr. Owens story continues from one choice to another, he set the path of his own destiny by not allowing anyone to make decisions for him, and by not taking no for an answer. Throughout the book Mr. Owen repeats the quote over and over "If you really, really want to do something, no one can stop you. But if you really don't want to do something, then no one can help you" this is a powerful statement.  Making decisions that will improve your life, and take chances are sometimes the one way to accomplish dreams.

Overall this was a delightful book, an inspiring book. There was a time during the book that the story felt redundant to me, because it was the same story over and over, albeit different circumstances. I would read this book again, and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to put in the effort to improve one's life. This book is positive, inspiring, and will help those who are searching for positive choices and decisions, it will encourage those who read it to want to strive harder to accomplish those dreams. This book is a good motivational read!

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to review this book. I was given a free review copy of this book for my honest review. I was not paid for this review; the opinion expressed is my own.

Sandie

The Inventor's Secret

 About the book:

Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don't read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn't around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar. Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world.

Twins Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather's inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins must follow a mysterious trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather's greatest secret — a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

About the Author:
Chad Morris grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from the Muppets, he’s been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) After high school, he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college, and eventually he became a teacher and a curriculum writer. He lives in Utah with his wife and five kids.

Chad would love to teach at Cragbridge Hall. Unlike Oscar Cragbridge, however, he hasn’t really invented anything, though his son once sketched out blueprints for a machine that would turn celery into cookies.

My Review:
I'm extremely late with this review, and I apologize to Chad Morris and Shadow Mountain.

Oscar Cragbridge grandfather extraordinaire created and invented technology that we in 2013 could only dream of having. This fun read was so exciting, ever changing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the book had more twists, and keep me reading for more.

I especially felt drawn to the two main characters twins Derick and Abby and their dedication to their parents and grandfather. I saw such love and determination from these two teenagers, it made my heart happy to think how wonderful is it that kids respect their parents and grandfather so much that they would do anything, and risk anything to save them.

I would say that this is one of the most exciting fun books I have read in a long time. I can not wait to pass it off to my 10 and 11 year old to read, they will love it. Which just shows me that this book is meant for all ages, I so enjoyed it, and yet my kids will love it too. I enjoy reading books that my whole family can enjoy.

I give this book four stars on a scale of 1-4. I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages. The read was clean, fun, adventurous and heartwarming.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read this book, I was not paid for my review, I was provided a reviewers copy of the book for my honest review.

Sandie

Six Sister' STUFF: Family Recipes, Fun, Crafts, and so much more!

 About the Challenge:

Join us for the 4x4 Family Dinner Challenge!

During the month of March, we encourage you to have dinner with your family four nights per week, for four weeks. It’s really easier than you think…and we’ll provide tips and recipes to help you throughout the month. We all know that family dinners are important – they’re often the glue that binds families together, that provides us valuable time to discuss the day’s events, and even gives us moments to laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
Please join with us to build families, one meal at a time.

We also invite you to share with us (and our readers) why you love family dinners and how they unite your family. You can do so on our Facebook page, via Twitter, or through a photo on Pinterest.
Join the challenge today

 About the Authors:
The Six Sisters—Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra—grew up in Utah, but a few of them have lived all over the country since moving out of the house. Between them there are five nieces and two nephews, and all of the sisters love playing “aunt.” The sisters started the blog in February 2011 to keep in touch while they were apart, but it has since gained popularity, garnering more than 6 million viewers per month and more than 160,000 followers on Pinterest.

About the book:
Cook, craft, and create with recipes, projects, and ideas from the enormously popular blog SixSistersStuff.com. Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra are six sisters who share their easy, affordable recipes and crafts in this collection of family favorites. These pages contain more than 90 tried-and-true recipes that use ingredients commonly found in your pantry, with easy-to-follow instructions and photographs of each dish. Charming do-it-yourself projects, such as stained Mason Jars and a Ruffles and Yarn Wreath, are fun to create and require little time or money. Suggestions for indoor activities for kids, healthy snack ideas, or an inexpensive night out are among the many lists included in the book. "We don't profess to be amazing chefs," the sisters claim. "We just know the importance of feeding our families a home-cooked meal and sitting down to eat it together. Even the busiest of people can make the food and project ideas we share, which will give you even more time to spend with your family and loved ones." Bookshelf eBook users: Because of the large amount of content in this eBook, we recommend viewing in scroll mode for optimal results.

My Review:

This book was such a fun book to review, I have three sisters and no brothers, so I could relate to these six sisters a great deal! I wish my sisters and I were as genius as these six sisters are to come up with a way to stay in touch with each other as lives start to separate them by miles.

First of all, this is WAY, WAY more than a cookbook. This book has recipes (that are extremely yummy), crafts, cleaning ideas, 50 fun dates, 100 snack ideas, 101 fun, easy and cheap indoor activities for kids (I need this for my kids), building a 72 hour kit in 52 weeks, 40 road trip ideas for kids (LOVE this, since I love road trips).

I tried several of the recipes and tonight, I'm doing my whole dinner from the book. Monday's a crazy night at my house. So I wanted to try something new to help my family want to be as busy as they are on a Monday night.

The recipes are easy to make, they are not complicated at all. I found them extremely user friendly, plus the pictures help if you are idea challenged like me. One thing I loved is that there are plenty of ideas, plus with snack ideas it links back to the blog for even more instructions.

For those readers who like to try new things, or want ideas on crafts, recipes, and many more, this book is certainly for you. It is so fun to go through. My kids have loved looking through the book and have found many things we have tried. You can not go wrong with this book, it is totally for everyone!

This is one of the best books I have read, looked at, cooked from, followed the blog in a long time. Its a must have! Thank you for Shadow Mountain for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. I was not paid, but instead recieved a copy of the book, for my honest review.

DO NOT forget the dinner challenge.
Sandie

The 7 Principles of Fat Burning

 About the Book:

The 7 Principles of Fat Burning is the handbook to the sensational Berg Diet that has empowered thousands of people to get healthy, lose weight and keep it off. It shows how to activate your fat-burning hormones with a tailor-made eating and exercise plan for your body type.

The 7 Principles is a highly practical book that provides clear explanations-aided by dozens of charts and illustrations-of the principles of healthy weight loss. Easy-to-understand health and nutrition information and simple tests to determine your correct body type are the keys to its success. Knowledge is power and The 7 Principles of Fat Burning gives dieters the power to take command by eating the healthy diet that activates the fat-burning hormones for their body type.

For years people have been told to lose weight to be healthy. The truth is, you need to get healthy to lose weight. The Seven Principles of Fat Burning shows you how. Dr. Berg thoroughly educates readers and puts them right where they should be: in charge of their own weight.

·         Hardcover: 330 pages

·         Publisher: KB Publishing; 1 edition (March 15, 2010)

·         ISBN: 978-0982601600

About the Author:

Eric Berg, DC, 47 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional and natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. His clients include senior officials in the U.S. government and the Justice Department, ambassadors, medical doctors, high-level executives of prominent corporations, scientists, engineers, professors, and other clients from all walks of life.

He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning, published by Action KB Publishing in January 2010. In addition, Eric Berg is widely published in trade magazines, including Chiropractic Today and The American Chiropractor, and in consumer publications such as First for Women, Men’s Exercise, New Beauty, Upscale and Let’s Live. Dr. Berg trains chiropractors, physicians and allied healthcare practitioners in his methods, and to date he has trained over 2,000 healthcare professionals.

He has been an active member of the Endocrinology Society, on the advisory panel for the Health Science Institute, and has worked as a past part-time adjunct professor at Howard University. Eric Berg’s nonprofit foundation, Health Technology Foundation, is currently being approved nationally for the purpose of providing research to substantiate alternative healthcare technologies, giving cost-effective solutions and result-oriented healthcare. As a leader in natural health and food coaching, Eric Berg has appeared on many radio and television shows, including ABC, CBS, and as a monthly host on Channel 8’s Sports Talk. He has also had his own radio health show on WOL in 2005.

My Review:

A MUST READ! I have never read a book that spoke to me and answered many of the questions I have had over the last few years. Dr. Berg explains in detail exactly what causes a body to become overweight. The book offers a quiz that helps one to identify body type, because everyone is individual to his or her own body. Then he shows ways to help reverse long term issues that result in inability to lose weight and keep it off. The one thing I found to be most helpful is Dr. Berg goes step by step in showing the reader how to start with a liver enhancement, then what foods are specific to helping each individual body type.

This book is by far the best resource for learning how to burn fat and become healthy properly and effectively. Everything about this book has made sense to me. This is a life style change it is not a diet. There can not be any reason to go back. This book is only a small portion that Dr. Berg offers,  he has a website that can help answer questions and one can watch video's as well.

If you are trying to change your way of life, looking for a healthy lifestyle, and want to learn about yourself and your body then this book is for you. This book is an easy read, it is user friendly. Inside you will find sample menu's and meal plans, there is not one area that is left to the imagination. One of the best reads, I recommend this book to everyone!

I was not paid for this review, I was given a  free copy of this book from Media Guests for my honest review. Thank you Media Guests for the opportunity. Thank you Dr. Berg for enlightening my mind and helping  me broaden my horizon. I give this book a 4 star EXCELLENT rating.

Sandie

Don't Say I Do! Why Women Should Stay Single

 About the book:

Is Marriage Outdated for Today’s Women?

A rising tide of single women are forgoing traditional wedding vows and choosing the single life. In fact, 47 percent of young adults have never been married and the percentage includes more women than men. As women rise in the workforce, single parenthood becomes more accepted and life partners increase, fewer women than ever opt to tie the knot.         

Provocative, timely and relevant, DON’T SAY I DO! Why Woman Should Stay Single (New Horizon Press, July 2012) by Orna Gadish, MSc, reveals a new list of options for modern women, provides alternatives to traditional marriage and enables women to carve their own paths in their professional and private lives.

DON’T SAY I DO! reveals how the sexual revolution set the stage for new life choices, how times have changed and how women can lead in today’s world, unfettered by the marriage chain. Gadish looks at the options, pluses and problems of unmarried women in fulfilling relationships, unmarried and married women in unhappy relationships, divorced women and women contemplating marriage. DON’T SAY I DO! provides tools, strategies and tips to encourage sexual, psychological and financial independence. It will inspire women to think for themselves, weigh what they need in a relationship, seriously consider alternatives to marriage and claim their strength in a new world in which women are no longer subordinates but men’s equals.

About the Author:

Orna Gadish, MSc, is an award-winning writing professional, published author and translator based in Israel. In addition to her far-reaching research on the virtues of single life, she has written two books. Ms. Gadish has an MS degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

My Review:

I did not go into this review with a light heart. I find this subject something seriously personal to each and every person. I personally have been married for almost 33 years and have a good happy life. So, when I read this book, I thought I would hate it and yet wanted to see another view of marriage.

This book covers a wide variety of topics from marriage, to being unhappy in marriage. It covers being single, the pros and cons of marriage (which I personally thought was interesting).This book talks about choices, and women's roles in our society today. These topics are covered thoroughly and not so bias as I assumed would be, instead its an analysis of all the variety of role in which women today are part of, in this every changing society.

If you are someone looking to change your life, find your place after divorce or are a single lady who is interested in more variety and finding our ways to life a richer life then this book is for you. If you are someone who is happily married, it might not be something you'd like to read, although it is not a bad read.

The writing was clear, easy to read and well written. The subject matter seemed to be well researched and through out. I reviewed this book for Media Guests, I was not paid for this review, I this review is in my own words. I did receive a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Sandie

Beau and the Beanstalk

 About the Book:



Beau and the Beanstalk is being released as a revolutionary Interactive App. Children will be able to read along with the text as Lee Baker narrates the story as well as hear the characters speak as they interact on their PC, Mac, ipad, iphone, Android pad, Android phone or Kindle Fire.

Author Lee Baker created a fun new book for children of all ages to enjoy. A reverse on the classic tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, Baker's Children's book Beau and the Beanstalk is about an adolescent giant who is ridiculed in a magical kingdom in the clouds and climbs down a beanstalk to meet Jack, a hack-magician with a love of fire tricks, who will do anything to be the star of the circus.

This book is an instant hit with parents and educators. The book teaches values like overcoming difficulties, taking care of mistakes, standing up to bullies and choosing the right friends. The illustrations will immediately draw the reader into the story.

About the Author:

Lee Baker is the President of Paralight Films, a film development company and Sandman Studios a visual effects and animation company. Lee has taught courses at UCLA Extension, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Utah and the Utah Education Network in the subjects of English, Writing, Educational Technology and Digital Video Editing. He is a producer of the upcoming film Lundon’s Bridge and the three Keys and is the author of the novel Speed of Light and the illustrated books Humbug, A Christmas Carol and Beau and the Beanstalk. Lee earned a degree in English at the University of Utah and currently lives in Utah with is wife and their five children.

My Review:

I received a copy of this book for my iPad, it was a fun interactive book that my children each took turns reading and playing with. The illustrations were clean and crips on the iPad. Each page has interactive characters that talk and then also an interactive reader. I didn't actually read the book I listend to it beign ready to me. I wanted to enjoy it as my children did. I believe that everyone should be read to at some point in their life.

The story a take on the old Jack and the beanstalk, but with a twist...a modern day twist. The story life was good and showed that everyone has choices in life.

My children loved this book and I would recommend this book for anyone who wishes to learn about others and how to handle life situations. Mr Baker found a purpose and reason for doing what he did. For allowing the reader to take a journy with Jack and Beau!

I would recommend this book with a 4 star. I was given a free copy of this book to review from Media Guests and was not paid in any way for my comments.

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace

 About the Book:

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace is an inspirational story that will make the reader laugh, cry, and examine just how precious life really is. Written by Rick Dean, Dennis’s brother, this true-life story comes alive with firsthand accounts of Dennis’s struggles and triumphs while living with Muscular Dystrophy. It is doubtful that you could read this story and not be changed and encouraged to make a difference. If you are looking for a story that has all of the elements of life, and one that will give you a new perspective on what you may be currently going through, do not miss this uplifting biography.

About the Author:

Rick Dean was born in Denver, Colorado and spent his youth exploring the adventures of life side by side with his brother, Dennis. Dennis, because of his disease, required someone to be with him at all times, from the time he was eight years old. Much of that responsibility fell to Rick who was grateful for the assignment to always tag along with his older brother.

Having spent a lifetime as a caregiver and as an observer of personal trial, he offers insight on daily life with loved ones afflicted with a devastating disease. Rick was much impressed with Dennis and his ability to overcome just by making the decision to better his life and then work at improving it on a daily basis. Rick learned that people can change. He learned that helping hands are needful and appreciated. Most of all, he learned that life can be a wonderful thing even in the most dire situations if we allow ourselves the blessing of enjoying the journey.

Rick Dean lives with his sweetheart on the Wasatch Front in Utah. He loves every opportunity to share the inspirational story of his brother, Dennis. Rick is currently working on other inspiring life stories.

My Review:

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace is a true story of two brothers, the main character Dennis has Muscular Dystrophy. As the story evolves the brothers Rick who wrote the book and Dennis go through many of life's challenges by each others side.

Mr. Dean took great care to make sure that this story was authentic of his relationship with his brother Dennis. The story not only is about Dennis accepting his reality of Muscular Dystrophy, but the story is also about a brothers love, struggles, and all that two people can go through. As we the reader watches Rick take on the role of caretaker to his older brother, we are taking on a journey unlike any journey I have ever had the pleasure of taking. This story sometimes feels more than just a story of Dennis, it also feels like a story of Rick who is a devoted brother, who by no fault of his own has a myriad of feelings as well.

This story will pull on the heartstrings, and cause you to laugh, smile and break ones heart. I cried, I laughed, and I took in what this story had to offer. Once anyone reads this book they are a better person for having taken this journey with the author and his brother Dennis from childhood to adults. I highly recommend this story of great courage and brotherhood. I realized as I read about Dennis' change of heart in his summer of peace, all the ways that Dennis had chosen to do for others. This only made me rethink what I am doing in my life to be more helpful and accepting of others. I enjoyed this story so much, I will recommend it to my book club for next years reading.

I recommend this book for anyone. I give this story a 4 start. Thank you to Ballyhoo Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I was not paid for my review. The comments are mine.

Sandie

Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise

Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise

 What a fun time of year to review books, I am thankful to Media Guests for allowing me the opporutnity to review this book. The words are my own, I was not paid for the review, instead I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.

About the Book:

You are meeting one of the greatest secrets in my toyshop: an Els Mere elf! His name is Kirby Puckernut, and he’s full of Christmas Magic…        – Santa

Kirby Puckernut is Santa’s cleverest little elf. While dreaming up marvelous toys for good girls and boys, Kirby has his best idea yet – a real elf in every home, all through the holidays, spreading Christmas Magic! Santa finds the perfect family and allows Kirby to serve as the test elf for the first momentous
visit.

From December 1st through Christmas Eve, Kirby travels each night to Els Mere to make toys and bring news to Santa, and returns to the family each morning with notes from Santa and other surprises.
Fun and adventure are at every turn, but not everything goes as planned…  Will Kirby’s idea be a success?
Bring the character and warmth of author Alicia Richardson’s holiday creation into your home this Christmas season. Kirby is a tradition the whole family will adore. Celebrate Christmas this year, and for many years to come, with Kirby Puckernut and the Els Mere elves!

About the Author:

Alicia Richardson has created a new Christmas classic with her children’s book, Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise.
Alicia Richardson resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and four children. She has always had a flair for storytelling, and has given life to a special little elf named Kirby Puckernut.
From Alicia:

This magical story came about when Santa sent one of his elves, Kirby Puckernut, to live in our home at Christmastime. Kirby was creative, very fun and persistent. It wasn’t enough for him to simply observe our family and help deliver my children’s gifts – he wanted to get to know them. Our family has enjoyed the magical days of Kirby’s visits year after year.

Come share in our tradition – invite Kirby and the Els Mere elves into your home this Christmas season!



My Review:

The story of Kirby is a heart warming tale about an Elf who spread Christmas magic. Going between Els Mere and the home of a family the Harborsen's who needed to be reminded of what Christmas is all about, especially their 13 year old daughter Izzie. The storyline is a fun creative way to bring magic into any home that reads this book. This book with the beautifully illustrated pictures, glossy pages is an wonderful book to add to any Christmas reading Collection. I read this to my children ages 11, 10 and 6, they thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I would highly recommend this book with 4 stars, because the story is that well done. I would recommend this book to any family young or old. Grandparents should also have this book in the home to read to their grandchildren. 

If you would like to know more, you can go to Kirby's website here. Or Like the Facebook page of Kirby here.

Additionally, Alicia Richardson, author of Kirby Puckernut, hopes that you will share in another of her family traditions. Support Kenya Keys as they build educational opportunities in rural Africa. For every book sold $1 will be donated to Kenya Keys.  Kenya Keys provides scholarships, builds schools and libraries, and creates leadership opportunities in an area where learning is as treasured as water. Kenya Keys has been helping African youth via educational outreach since 2005.

Dancing in the Storm

 About the Author:
Shelly Maguire is the author of the newly released book Dancing in the Storm, owner of Ice Elements skin care products and appears regularly on HSN and the radio program, Strength in Sharing. She lives in Florida with her husband, Frankie Tedesco.
Watch Shelly's recent interview on FoxNY to learn just how amazing she truly is.  Television Interview
“Shelly’s life story is of hope, perseverance and courage. It will be an inspiration to many women entrepreneurs.
HSN is proud to have her as a partner.”
Mindy Grossman, CEO HSN
“Shelly is a visionary - she goes where others don’t because they are told they can’t” She defines the essence of
taking charge of life’s challenges!
Forbes Riley, TV host, author, keynote speaker, National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee
“I can’t think of anyone with more tenacity and drive than Shelly. She sets the standard for what it takes to succeed
in business and in life.”
Alisa Marie Beyer, Founder & CEO, The Beauty Company

About the Book:
What turns an angry adolescent and then a defiant teenager into an indomitable businesswoman who faced so many obstacles in life that she defied all odds for success? Told at the age of nine that she had a lethal disease that could take her life by the age of 18, for Shelly Maguire this was all she had to hear to push herself to the limits and stop at nothing to reach her goals.
Written with heart-pounding honesty and delicious humor, Dancing in the Storm takes the reader along on an emotional roller coaster ride through Shelly Maguire s multi-faceted career from the classroom to the boardroom. An entrepreneur, founder of multiple start-up companies and a skin care developer for several large companies, Shelly takes you inside the world of business, live TV (HSN) and infomercials. This TV and radio personality spells out her formula for success. Think like a child - - they never take no for an answer. You ll be startled and amazed at her confessions and grit, and then wish she were your best friend.

My thoughts and review:

Before I begin my review, I would like to apologize to Ms. Maguire for taking so long to post this review. I was supposed to have it done the end of July, then in August. I have had a crazy life, and just finished this reading. Second I would like to thank Media Guest for the opportunity to review this book. I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review.

I received this book while I was away on vacation this summer. I had great plans to finish it when my family went to on condo in the Mountains of Colorado; however, that weekend it rained and I found myself playing games all weekend to entertain my children.

I eventually started reading the book and was intrigued from the start. While reading the book I did become a little bored with the correspondence that sounded like the same thing repeated by different people, and there was a few times the story dragged on for me; however, over all I loved the story. I found the story heartwarming, genuine and filled with suspense and most especially love! I enjoyed getting to know Shelly Maguire, she is not only a go getter, she is such a kind person that it seemed everyone who knew her was drawn to her.  I could not imagine my life with Shelly's trials, she is couragous and strong. She shows the reader what hard work, determination and faith can do! 

I did find it interesting that Ms. Maguire was a typical teenager, and let nothing stand in her way. When I really started to settle in and read the book where I could not put the book down is when Frankie enters the picture. The relationship between Shelly and Frankie was so crazy, refreshing, and fun! I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone. With all the things this world has to offer, and so much negativity on television and in print, this story will warm your soul and remind you what is good about life!

Shirley J: Whisk Bliss

 About the Product:

Revamp your kitchen....Revolutionize your cooking.

Shirley J is an exclusive food solutions company that sells just-add-water universal cooking, seasonings and bakery mixes. Their products have been time-tested by Master Chefs in commercial kitchens for more than 30 years! After 30 years, the products that have been proven in the most demanding commercial kitchens are now available for every home chef.

Their Best-Selling Product: Whisk Bliss
Whisk Bliss is a just-add-water cream sauce that makes for Alfredo, gravy, soups, sauces, dips and delights. It can be seasoned, salted and garnished, or mixed with cheese, tomatoes and veggies—for starters. Shirley J Whisk Bliss never separates, lumps or curdles, providing a no-fail base for countless saucy servings.
Shirley J Whisk Bliss uses a base of healthy sunflower oil, which gives it the velvety texture that cooks and consumers love. It contains a fourth of the calories of a made-from-scratch white sauce and has less sodium content than white sauce market alternatives. The Whisk Bliss also serves as a perfect substitute for any condensed cream soup. It is lighter and healthier with less sodium, fewer calories and easier on the food budget!

The proof is in the taste, and satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

About Shirley J's Area Director:
Georgia Carpenter is one of Shirley J’s top Area Directors. This position gives Georgia the opportunity to reach out to homemakers across the United States to introduce a one-of-a-kind product: Shirley J's Whisk Bliss - a universal cooking base.

Georgia has been cooking for her family and friends for the past 50 years, and now that all of her children are grown and have families of their own, she can focus on her passion which is to save "home chefs" TIME and MONEY in their own kitchens! How? By sharing the benefits of cooking with Whisk Bliss! It is universal, simple and fool proof, delicious, economical and healthier than other creamy alternatives.

Comfortable in her unique friendly style, Georgia's monthly calendar is filled with teaching in-home cooking demonstrations, exhibiting Shirley J's products at County Fairs, Boutiques, at Women's Expo's, or wherever an opportunity arises. Georgia says, “I love the privilege of sharing Whisk Bliss with everyone! One taste is all it takes, then a flood of menu applications start to roll. Whisk Bliss is the most significant cooking discovery in decades!”

My Review:
I must say that I had read a lot about Shirley J products over the last few years and I had wanted to try and see what the product is all about.

My experience with Whisk Bliss was probably a reflection of circumstances more than the product. The instructions for Alfredo called for adding cheese, my family does not eat cheese, so I thought maybe I could get away with it by just adding salt and pepper. I personally do not like Alfredo anything, but I was making food for a night of football, I thought this would be a good time to try out Whisk Bliss. My kids ate it, but I did not care for it. My husband ate it, but he added a few things to his to enhance the flavor.

I wish I had used it to make sausage gravy with biscuits. I could tell that it was a great thickener, but I did not like what I did with the mix. No matter what I added it had no flavor. Therefore, I hope you all read other blogs who loved this product and do not count on my review, because I am sure that mine was a circumstance kind of review, without all that yummy cheese, there was no flavor.

I was given a free packet of Shirley J's Whisk Bliss to try for my honest review from Media Guest.

The Path

 About the Book:
The Path by Joe Holmes is a book containing the culmination of forty eight years of research on the topics of success and health.

“I have read and attended nearly a thousand books, seminars and speakers about success and health that have led me to write “The Path.” My years of research about herbs and health at herb-discovery.com have helped me add important knowledge about health for our life’s path.”
- Joe Holmes, author

Everything in our Universe has a Positive and a Negative aspect
- You cannot attract positive until you remove negative.
Joe searched for years to discover how to replace negative with positive and could not do it until he discovered the LSFT process.

It teaches you how to make success, health and even money flow to you like a magnet! It can make you a better and happier person as it repairs relationships in your life. Many who have tried it report how it has empowered their lives. It costs nothing yet is the most powerful mental process you will ever use. It can heal your life and those around you and remove stress. If everyone in the world would use this it would eliminate hate and bring peace. It can help you cope with grief, post traumatic stress and change negative emotions to positive.

Removing negative emotions is an important step to better health. It changes hate, frustration and anger to love. It works even if you do not believe it, or believe it will work.

About the Author:
Joe (Joseph) William Holmes started working at the age of six, when not in school, for his
father who was a masonry contractor. At the age of sixteen he was an accomplished brick
mason. He also worked in his Aunt and Uncle’s grocery store while finishing high school,
before attending college for two years.

Joe spent the next five years in service, two years on a ministry mission for his church living with the
Native Americans in Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota. The other three years were serving his
nation in the Army which he left as a personnel sergeant and a secret documents NCO.

He spent the rest of his professional life in the construction industry where he held many positions and
titles, both in the private and commercial sectors. His career was cut short by an illness that caused, among
other things, chronic fatigue and included up to twenty hours of sleep daily.

Unable to work, he began to research herbs and health over the next fifteen years, leading him to a gluten free diet and the slow return of energy and health. His focus now is writing and publishing his health
research and books. In 1966 he married his beloved companion, Ann Despain, and together they have
raised six wonderful children.

My Review:
First I want to apologize for being late in this review. I thought finished all my reviews and posted them before I left for vacation, but low and behold, I sure did forget one. Then I had endless Internet issues, so I finally decided to do it once I returned home.

I read this book, with one of those pre-conceived expectations of what another self-help book would be; however, to my delight the approach was an about face to what most self-help books offer. The first thing I noticed was he place of God in The Path, as a religious woman, I like putting God first in my life. The second thing is that this book uses nothing new, just parts of life that have taken a backseat to rude, disrespectful people. This is using the LSFT process. The LSFT process stands for Love, Sorry, Forgiveness, and Thank you. Manners, who would have thought? Such a refreshing book on how to invite people to put God first, and use manners in their life to create a happier whole person.

I found this book and its positive outlook refreshing and I would highly suggest it to anyone looking to find themselves. Being happy, healthy and successful is the golden nugget in life. This book explains and walks he reader through each step along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Mr. Holmes wrote this book in a way that is easy to understand, easy to read and completely reader friendly. I give this book 5 stars.

I recieved an electonic version of this book from Ballyhoo Publications a company I review books for. I was not paid for my honest review.

Sandie 

Tension Point:

 About the Author:
Kim Fletcher IS A MASTER LIFE COACH, Author and Professional Speaker. Her extensive background as a Physical Therapist, College Instructor, Disability Advocate and Entrepreneur have equipped Kim with skills in the areas of facilitating freedom, unleashing potential and creating lasting results for clients. The Tension Point concepts emerged from more than a decade of coaching clients to break through invisible walls separating them from reaching their ultimate potential personally and professionally. Kim works globally and relaxes at her favorite beach in Maui, Hawaii.

 About the Co-Author:
Harold Elmore IS AN AWARD-WINNING ENTREPRENEUR, Business Trainer and former Pilot. As a successful Business Owner, his greatest passion is condensing his vast experience into powerful strategies and systems to allow individuals to achieve success in business while achieving fulfillment in life. In this book, Harold condenses his experience, struggles and achievements to enhance the journey of those who are ready to explode beyond the nine-to-five box. He and his beautiful wife, Donna, can be seen on their bright yellow Harley Davidson on the scenic highways across the country.

About the Book:
“Whether your vision is big or small, The Tension Point will take you on a journey from dreamer to achiever.”
—Dr. W. Carl McMillan
We have become conditioned for status quo, yet an echo deep within leaves us longing for more. We each face our own tension points where we must determine if we will press through to discover what we are truly capable of. This book you hold in your hands will leave you:
Awakened to your true identity and potential
Catapulted from mere goals to a life of vision
Positioned to lead with excellence

My Review:
I know what you are thinking. another self-help book right? How many are on the market? The Tension Point has a much different feel than most books of this genre I have read. Ms. Fletcher and Mr. Elmore team up to write a practical book that will help anyone who is willing to put a little effort into this book.

When I received this book, I grabbed my highlighter (I'm a graduate student so I highlight everything) and sat down to read. I found this book more highlighted than not. This to me means that many of the topics resonated with me. I found myself sitting back and taking all the assignments to see where I stood on each subject.

This is an easy read, yet it will require effort if one expects t see some results. I highly recommend this as Kim tried to help the reader understand what a life coach can help individuals understand about self.

Just as I had hoped this book gave me a fresh look at myself, it helped me tune into ideas I had not thought about. I loved this book and recommend it with a five star!

I was provide a copy of this book from Media Guests, I was not paid for my review, the review is entirely my own words.

Speed of Light

 About the Book:
Living the life of his dreams, and married to his longtime sweetheart, Pierce Black has been selected to be the first to pilot the Speed of Light plane. He is destined to make history like John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. Pierce’s idyllic world screeches to a halt when, three weeks before the historic flight, his wife is killed in a tragic car accident.

Determined to carry on with the groundbreaking flight in spite of his grief, Pierce is changed forever when, during the flight, his body is transformed into light. The shock throws Pierce into a deep coma and when he wakes time is not relevant to his mind. Suddenly able to step into visions of the past, Pierce struggles to make sense of what he sees as he learns that his wife’s death was not an accident, but murder and the murderers are still after him.
As Pierce and the beautiful attorney, Vanessa Trace, sort through the bizarre attacks on Pierce and his vivid visions of the past, they cannot substantiate any evidence to his claims. In a frantic race to stay alive, Pierce and Vanessa find themselves matching wits with a conspiracy with seemingly endless resources and a police department convinced Pierce is a murderer, while at the same time they question whether or not Pierce himself is crazy.

Standing out from traditional suspense novels, Speed of Light is fast-paced, intelligent and intricately layered with mind expanding concepts.

About the Author:
Lee Baker is the president of Sandman Studios, a visual effects and animation company and has taught courses at UCLA Extension, Loyola Marymount University and the University of Utah. He is the author of the illustrated books “Humbug, A Christmas Carol” and “Beau and the Beanstalk,” and now his latest thriller “Speed of Light.” Lee lives in Utah with his wife and five children.

My Review:

Lee Baker knows how to keep one on the edge of his or her seat, and not want to put the novel down. I personally found the story of Pierce Black a compelling storyline that kept me up reading half the night away without a thought of being tired. I read this fast paced novel in less than a day.          

Pierce has the family of his dreams, the job of his dreams and is in the middle of the happiest time of his life. His wife a beautiful woman named Catherine is working with her own brother to bring to light the corruption in the company that Pierce works for; however Pierce does not want to have anything to do with this information and ignores the attempts of Catherine and her brother Cole to tell him what they found.

Pierce has a life changing experience when he flies his test plane, this experience alters how he thinks, and sees things. At this point the novel becomes so captivating that it becomes difficult to put the it down, even when common sense says to do so. Catherine’s sister Vanessa helps Pierce solve the mysteries surrounding his dreams, his life, and the death of his wife and brother-in-law (Vanessa’s sister and brother).  

This novel is gripping from the beginning to the very last page. I would highly recommend Mr. Bakers book Speed of Light to anyone. I personally do not like suspense novels, and this one is filled with suspense, yet I loved this book. Mr. Baker’s imagination fills each page and begs the reader to keep going. I give this novel five stars.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Media Guests for my honest review, I was not paid for a postive review.

Sandie