Striving to be my authentic self!
Life In The Sloth Lane by Lucy Cooke, is a cute book of inspirational quotes and facts about sloths, along with adorable pictures. If you love sloths and are searching for a coffee table book, then I recommend this little book.
I was provided my free ebook copy care of NetGalley in exchange for my review. Thank you for such a fun and interesting book on sloths.
There are books that you will read again and again. There are titles you will buy multiple copies of just to give away. Yes. Happier Now is this exact book. I just finished it a moment ago. I didn’t want this book to end.
Happier Now is part memoir, part self-help and part inspiration. If you are stuck in a funk and need a book that will help you crawl out of the mindset of, “I don’t give a bleep,” then be ready this summer to go grab a copy. The author, Nataly Kogan came to America from Russia. She’s one tough cookie. Through sharing her own journey she shows ways in which she’s allowed herself to be present in her life crappy days and all. Nataly gives wonderful suggestions on how we can be happier right now and be honest with ourself.
I have my grumpy, emotional, don’t get in my personal bubble kind of days. Nataly explains how giving ourselves permission to acknowledge these emotions will help them pass by quicker than trying to be stoic and act happy when really you just want to sprout out colorful language. Socially we are taught to stay strong smiling when to heal you just need a good cry to clear the air and feel better.
The different suggestions that Nataly outlines in her book are simple, easy to use (I plan on picking which daily anchors I want to implement) and I think will become contagious when others see the effect there’s daily practices have on your life. I’m excited, refreshed, and inspired to share this book once its released. I received my ebook ARC of Happier Now by Nataly Kogan from NetGalley care of Sounds True Publishing in exchange for my review.
This book has me speechless. If you love romance, mystery, suspense, a sprinkle of snarky humor then you will love The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. This novel follows the journey of Laura who takes a job as an assistant for a gentleman in a big, fancy house. She’s gone through a nasty divorce and is trying to rebuild her life. Her job of keeping the house tidy and typing up documents for the owner seems simple and pleasant. Her employer, Anthony, has one room he keeps locked. Laura wonders what could be so important in that particular room, but figures if Anthony wanted to tell her he would. She has no idea that once tragedy strikes she will get to find out the mystery. What is hidden behind said door and will Laura trust and love again?
I received my free paperback copy of The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan in exchange for my review. This book was breathtaking in verbiage, the storyline sweet, romantic, old fashioned and one you won’t forget or want to put down.
If you could read a novelized imagining of the Prophetess Deborah of the Bible’s life I would recommend Deborah Rising. This novel starts off with the stoning of her sister Tamar. This novel is not for the squeamish as that opening scene is very vivid. This novel is about Deborah and how she goes from being stuck marrying her dead sister’s cruel husband to trying to figure out a way to escape him. Her dead father’s father’s premonition of Deborah becoming a Prophetess and ministering at her family homestead gives her hope. How could a woman become a Prophetess? Follow Deborah on her journey to escape her evil husband and figure out what her true calling is.
If you like historical fiction then I recommend Deborah Calling by Avraham Azrieli. To purchase a copy click here and to connect with the author on his site. I received my free ebook from TLC Book Tours care of HarperOne Publishers. This novel makes me want to read the Biblical account of Deborah over again in greater detail. Thank you for such an incredible read.
Well known Psychologist Frieda Klein thought her life was getting back to normal till the body of a man who’d given her a lead regarding a case she’d helped the police with winds up in her own home. This case has been bugging her and she wants to get it solved. Even though she’s creeped out, Frieda is determined to get to the bottom of who the murderer is. When friends, family and colleagues start becoming targets, at what price is it worth to solve the crime?
If you enjoy murder mysteries then you will enjoy this page turner, Sunday Silence by Nicci French. This British novel is fast paced, intense, and if you love the Frieda Klein series you’ll like this next installment. I’ve never read this series, so I sort of started recent vs the beginning, but I think you can read this without having to have read the previous books. Nicci French’s characters are lively and complex. They keep you guessing every step of the way. I received my free copy from TLC Book Tours in exchange for my review. I definitely want to go grab the other books to read what happened earlier to Frieda. To get a copy click here and to connect with the author, click here to check out her Twitter.
What would you do if you committed a horrible crime and got sentenced to death? Would you despair? Would you feel like your due penalty was fair? Pamela Perillo lived through a very rough upbringing and drug addiction, which lead to a crime that landed her on death row back in the 80’s. In TX of all states.
In prison she was introduced to Jesus and came to faith. Through her new found faith Pam befriended a few of the other women on Death Row, aiding them in coming to belief as well. These women created a small family of sorts; praying, talking and encouraging each other through the tough days.
If you like true crime books with a spiritual twist you will like this book. It’s not for someone with a weak stomach. Pamela’s life was not a bed of roses whether while growing up or after she landed in prison. This book gives a realistic window into what it’s like to be incarcerated. I received my free ARC of Salvation On Death Row, care of KiCam Projects in exchange for my review of this book. Thank you for an opportunity to get to read Pam’s important story.
The Slave is a short story about a man who is in a coma and can’t respond to those around him in the hospital, though he can see and hear what’s going on around him. He hears this inner voice talking to him about life and its purpose. Since the main character can’t communicate outwardly he has no other choice, but to listen to this voice/Guide. This short story reminds me a lot of Conversations With God by Neal Donald Walsch. The concepts explored in this book range from learning how to forgive, not blame others, being responsible for your own happiness and in the connectedness with everything.
If you enjoyed similar books you will want to pick up a copy of this slim volume. If you have a day to just sit and read you’ll easily complete this short book. Not all books are worthy of being read over and over. This one is. Enjoy. Savor. Learn. Live. Most importantly: LOVE.
I was contacted by an agent with the PR company promoting The Slave by Anand Dilvar. This was due to her seeing one of my book reviews. This makes me happy to see that my blogging is getting noticed. I am thrilled that I was asked to review an ARC of this book. Thank you, Larissa.
If you know what it’s like to deal with physical health challenges then you will be able to relate to Katherine. Her memoir is the true story of how one little boy’s decision to jump off the top of a play set changed her life in a flash. One moment she was playing tag with her son, William’s class at recess and the next moment she was on the ground seriously injured. Katherine gives a no holds barred account of what it’s like to be a quadriplegic.
I can’t imagine suddenly not being able to walk or use my hands easily. You’d feel completely trapped in your own body. To go from one day being able to hug and help your kids to not being able to feel if they are hugging you. Katherine shares her ups and downs pre and post accident. She shares how this life event challenged her Christian faith and how it altered her kid’s faiths. How can someone come out of that with their faith intact?
I received my free ARC ebook of Where I End by Katherine Elizabeth Clark from NetGalley care of Moody Publishers. This book was an intense, yet inspirational read. Thank you for allowing me to read this powerful memoir.
What If You Could is a book about what faith looks like. I am honestly not a fan of Pastor Joel Osteen, but this book surprised me that its content was not fluffy or of the name it, claim it variety. The author, Jakelyn Viera Iloff, gives different Biblical examples of faith as well as personal examples from her own life of times she had faith when it seemed impossible to have.
If you are looking for a book on the topic of faith I would recommend this book. I received my ebook copy for free from NetGalley in exchange for my review. Considering this was my last read of 2017 I’d say it was a great theme and book to end my year on.
Openly Bookish 