Friday, February 27, 2015

The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset and Change Your Life by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta Book Feature

Title: The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset and Change Your Life
Author: Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta
Publisher: OliveBlue Incorporated
Pages: 134
Genre: Personal Growth
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Your mindset determines your attitude
 • Your attitude determines your choices
 • Your choices determine your life!

 Do You Want To Change the Outcomes in Your Life?

Our thoughts, beliefs and experiences are the building blocks that shape our mindset, and in turn determine our desired outcomes. Start to positively shape your mindset and you will take the outcomes in your life from good to great – whether in your personal life or your career or business. This book will provide you with simple but powerful steps you can take each day to start shaping your mindset and experiencing the success and fulfilment you desire!

“Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.” - Napoleon Hill

For More Information


Yvonne Yvonne is passionate about positive change. She works with individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations to help them implement change, drive results and achieve their goals. She enjoys working with them to identify solutions and determine the right course of actions that takes them from good to great. She is an inspirational speaker, change management consultant, and certified John C. Maxwell coach & teacher on leadership principles. For More Information

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Book Review: Open Your Heart for Happy Relationships by Eve Picquette



Title: Open Your Heart for Happy Relationships: 10 Shift Keys – What Your Angels Have Been Trying to Tell You for Centuries
Author: Eve Picquette
Publisher: Enchanted Eve, Inc.
Pages: 78
Genre:
Self Help/Inspiration
Format: Paperback

Purchase at AMAZON

How many times have you read or seen something that made you want to change your life and relationships – but you didn’t know how? Introduced by two angels, Hope and Impatience, Open Your Heart for Happy Relationships – What Your Angels Have Been Trying to Tell You for Centuries… answers the “how” question. Eve Picquette shows readers how to:

·        Open their hearts to love
·        Shift their lives, using 10 keys—how-to-do-it ideas created with the help of angels of inspiration—to change in real and satisfying ways.

In this lighthearted, uplifting, and beautifully illustrated gift book, each chapter opens with images of the author’s angels and quotes she believes were angel-inspired sometime in history. Readers may also download companion MP3 Mini Meditations available on Amazon.com. They are “Dared to Shift” their thoughts and behaviors and these shifts will improve lives and relationships: • Shift 1: Always Connect to Love • Shift 2: Just Stop It, Really • Shift 3: It’s All About You • Shift 4: It’s Not About You • Shift 5: Give Up on the Past • Shift 6: Expect the Best Future • Shift 7: Appreciate Everything Now • Shift 8: Re-Choose Your Relationships • Shift 9: Handle Conflict with Grace • Shift 10: Love So it Can be Felt.

If you are ready to try these simple shifts, the results will amaze you. Every encouraging and comforting word in this beautifully illustrated self-help book will lead you to the path of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. A treasure to own, it would also serve as a thoughtful, caring, and loving gift.

Review:

Any book that can help me find love, I am so there.  Open Your Heart for Happy Relationships: 10 Shift Keys – What Your Angels Have Been Trying to Tell You for Centuries piqued my interest because I write a lot about relationships - mainly the soul mate relationship. I wanted to see how the author, Eve Picquette, handled the same theme and what angle she took to help explain how we can all find love.    

Let me also say that I am the normal Joe-etta but I do believe in angels, spirit guides, past lives and ghosts so the fact that Ms. Picquette took the angle of angels, I was even more intrigued.

Also consider this.  Fiction books I don't mind being over 200 pages but nonfiction, if they can eliminate the fluff and get down to the nitty gritty and tell me what I need to hear in fewer words, that impresses me.  Even though a shorter book might mean less content, the content that is there has to be of upstanding quality for me not to go "This book was so short I'm going to have to give it 2 book trees" but in the case of Open Your Heart for Happy Relationships, that is not the case. 

With that said, this is one powerful book.  Not only is it beautifully illustrated, I loved the angels theme.  She lists ten practical Shift Keys and if you really go through them, they are powerful in itself!   

This is definitely a mover and a shaker book.  Sit idly by and nothing happens.  I can understand how that works.  This book shows you how to move in the right direction and I can see where it would be very helpful regarding relationships.  This would make a beautiful gift book and not to mention reading just one page after you rise in the morning to give you positive and loving vibes first thing!

I give this book 5 book trees.



Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Suburban Enterprise by J.P. London Book Feature



Title: Suburban Enterprise
Author: J.P. London
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Pages: 138
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Format: Paperback/Kindle

If You Like Breaking Bad or the Stieg Larsson Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Books, You Will Love J.P. London’s Suburban Enterprise.

Brian has it all as a championship high school athlete in the suburbs, until a devastating injury turns his life upside down in an instant. With his athletic career ruined, and all hopes for a college education gone with it, Brian loses all hope of ever getting out of town and out of poverty. This town is where you either have money or you want money. Brian figures he will just continue being one of those that wants money. But, he wants it bad. Then along comes a spider in the form of an old coach, who gives Brian a chance to turn everything around, if he’s willing to pay the price. He shows Brian how he can take the money he wants. Brian must choose on which side of the law he wants to operate. His life depends on it. When everything starts to spiral out of control, Brian learns he can either lie down and die or come out fighting.

Does he have what it takes to survive?

For More Information
  • Suburban Enterprise is available at Amazon.
 

  J.P. London a New Jersey born and raised fiction author. He writes fictional stories about the social issues that he sees in everyday life which include the spread of opiate addiction to the masses, the lack of opportunities to war veterans, and the crippling weight of student loan debt on recent grads. Most of his stories take place in New Jersey and include locations that can be seen today.  You can visit J.P. London at the author’s website http://jplondonauthor.wix.com/jplondon

For More Information Visit J.P.’s website.

Cover Reveal! Blood Stitches by Erin Fanning

Blood Stitches-highres Title: Blood Stitches
Author: Erin Fanning
Publisher: Kensington

 It's called El Toque de la Luna--The Touch of the Moon. At least that's how nineteen-year-old Gabby's older sister, Esperanza, refers to the magical powers she inherited from their Mayan ancestors. Esperanza says women with El Toque weave magic into their knitting, creating tapestries capable of saving--or devastating--the world. Gabby thinks Esperanza is more like touched in the head--until a man dressed like a candy corn arrives at their Seattle home on Halloween. But "Mr. C" is far from sweet...

 Soon, Gabby and her almost-more-than-friend, Frank, find themselves spirited away to a demon ball, complete with shape shifters--and on a mission to destroy Esperanza's tapestries before they cause an apocalyptic disaster... And before it's too late to confess their true feelings for each other. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
  • Blood Stitches is available at Amazon
Erin Fanning  Erin Fanning spends her summers on a remote Michigan lake, where her imagination explores the water and dense forest for undiscovered creatures. In the winter, she migrates to central Idaho, exchanging mountain bikes and kayaks for skis and snowshoes. She's the author of the "Curse of Blackhawk Bay" (Sam's Dot Publishing, 2008), "Mountain Biking Michigan" (Globe Pequot Press, 2002), and numerous short stories, essays, and articles.

For More Information

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Cover Reveal! Love, Lattes and Danger by Sandra Cox


Title: Love, Lattes and Danger
Author: Sandra Cox
Publisher: Lyrical Press

  It’s a dirty job, but some mutant’s got to do it…

 Joel Eisler is a mutant with special talents. He can detect an oil leak in the ocean simply by tasting the water. Because of this unique ability, he’s been purchased by a large oil company, along with his dolph sister, Amy. The upside of spending his days and nights in the ocean is that it gives him the opportunity to save the lives of his brother dolphins. The downsides are life as a closely monitored slave—and that he can’t be with Piper, the dolph-girl he loves…

 To make matters worse, Joel discovers the lab he grew up in has extracted his sperm and Piper’s egg and created a baby, and his handler, Craven, is plotting to kidnap Amy for more experiments. Now Joel must rescue the infant, bring her to Piper, and find a way to save Amy. And if that’s not enough of a challenge, he needs to convince Piper she belongs with him instead of her all-too-human boyfriend—if Craven doesn’t get to them first…

  FOR MORE INFORMATION
  • Love, Lattes and Danger is available at Amazon

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA fantasy, historic and paranormal romance and metaphysical nonfiction. Sandra lives with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and an occasional foster cat in sunny North Carolina. To see the brood go to her website www.sandracox1.com and click on the cat tab.

For More Information

Monday, February 23, 2015

Better Believe: A Story of Hope by Ruby Lee Tuesday Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Better Believe
Author: Ruby Lee Tuesday
Publisher: Trafford
Pages: 132
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 Ruby Lee Tuesday was born to be her father’s property. Trapped in an abusive home where only perfect was good enough for the devil, Ruby attempted to distract herself from his ways through her music, poetry, art, and most importantly, her faith in God. Tuesday shares a heartbreaking story of childhood trauma as she bravely pursued her dreams, despite living with parents who seemed determined to destroy her, both physically and emotionally. While providing a riveting look into the ways of an abuser, Tuesday details how her mistreatment eventually caused her to lose her faith, embark on a path of self-destruction, and succumb to panic attacks and depression. But through it all, Tuesday somehow managed to find solace and an escape in her music, ultimately leaving everything behind and bravely following her dream all the way from Norway to Nashville, Tennessee, where she would find faith once again. Better Believe is a story of determination, passion, betrayal, friendship, and hope as one woman journeys from the darkness of abuse into the light of healing where she learns to believe in herself for the first time.

  amazon 
 Ruby Lee Tuesday has spent years on healing both physically and spiritually. She is a poet, singer, and songwriter who plays a variety of instruments. Ruby left Norway in 2013 to pursue her dreams in Nashville, Tennessee. This is her first book.

Ruby Lee is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Angel Hair by Margot Griffiths Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Angel Hair
Author: Margot Griffiths
Publisher: Xlibris
Pages: 280
Genre: General Fiction
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 Victoria BC 1958: A haunting first novel of a privileged, tight-knit neighborhood—an insular world of stifling traditional values; a world where the eccentric and gifted Morgan family doesn’t fit. Eleanor and Hugh have settled into the rhythms of a long rift, bound by history and remnants of love. Their ten year old daughter Myfanwy escapes into the world of her imagination, but as conflicts escalate, her older brother Owen seeks a more desperate escape and the family begins its descent in earnest. The neighborhood watches, hiding secrets of its own, for beneath a veil of civility, all is not as it seems. Rich with period detail, finely drawn characters and withering humor.

  amazon 
Margot Griffiths was born in Victoria BC where her story is set. She has a masters degree in psychology and has worked at universities and libraries in the US, Canada and Tanzania. She now lives in the seaside town of Point Roberts Washington.

Margot is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Friday, February 20, 2015

One Last Time by Denise Daisy Cover Reveal

One Last Time 4 FINAL Title: One Last Time
Author: Denise Daisy
Publisher: Lyrical Press

  When it comes to love, time is all they need…

 Averie is terrified of anything remotely scary, but when she finds herself short of cash, she has no choice but to work on the catering staff at the creepy historic Faulkner mansion. The Faulkner Plantation was the site of a bloody massacre in the 1800s, and the event is an attempt to change its reputation. There’s just one catch: the host has more in store than dinner. Soon Avery, along with a handsome guest named Quillan, is transported—back in time…

 It’s one month before the massacre and Averie and Quillan must find the courage to do more than survive. Together, they must uncover the truth about the Faulkner family and try and stop the murders. But as Averie and Quillan grow closer, the stakes are higher than they expected. Will they be able to put their feelings aside to change the past—and find life, and love, in the place Averie fears the most?

  FOR MORE INFORMATION
  • One Last Time is available at Amazon
Denise Daisy Denise Daisy is described as one of the purest storytellers of all time; pulling of romance, suspense and a touch of the supernatural, all in the same piece. Born and raised in Tennessee, Denise Daisy sets her stories in the Deep South and her natural southern style charms all her work. In addition to writing, Denise enjoys directing for the theater, and has brought to the stage many wonderful stories, from The legend of Pocahontas to Great American Tall Tales. To Denise, there is nothing more thrilling than bringing characters to life, whether on stage, behind the camera or in the pages of her books. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four daughters, watching fireflies in the evenings, dreaming up her next story and inspiring others. With the debut of her new adult thriller, One Last Time, Denise gives you a nail biting, page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat.  

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Rendezvous in Baghdad by Ben Sheldon Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Rendezvous in Baghdad
Author: Ben Sheldon
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 208
Genre: Thriller
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 As throngs of humanity pack Rome’s St. Peter’s Square, all await the news from the Sistine Chapel as to who will be the next Pope. But no one is more anxious than Iraqi American Sami Yusuf, for he and one of the papal candidates share a well-kept secret. When it is finally announced that Cardinal Paul Rogan has been elected Pope, Sami knows the one thing about Father Rogan that no one in the crowd does-he is a humble shepherd who molests his unsuspecting sheep. Many years earlier, while Sami was a Jesuit school student in Baghdad, he was molested by Father Rogan. Deathly afraid of revealing the abuse for fear of losing his family’s honor, Sami eventually emigrated to the United States and joined the Air Force. Meanwhile, Father Rogan slowly moved up in the Catholic Hierarchy-while quietly ruining one young boy’s life after another. Now amid sectarian mayhem and the occupation of Iraq, Sami must visit his ailing dad in Baghdad. But first he must fulfill his most important life’s mission-to cleanse the honor that Father Rogan stripped from his family. In this compelling tale that spans three continents, a vendetta drives an Iraqi American pilot into international dram that culminates with unexpected ramifications that change everything forever.

  amazon  

 Ben Sheldon lived in the Middle East, including Baghdad and Kurdistan, and attended college in Europe before settling in the San Francisco Bay area. He has worked as assistant editor for a national technical magazine and is the author of a novel and poetry book.

Ben is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Guardian by Erik Williams Book Feature

Guardian banner

Title: Guardian
Author: Erik Williams
Publisher: Harper Voyage Impulse
Pages: 254
Genre: Military Thriller
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 The heart-pounding, action-packed sequel to Demon. A secret order at war with itself. A Syrian official who wants to set the Middle East ablaze. And all of them want nothing more than one unlucky CIA agent …

 CIA agent Mike Caldwell just confronted a fallen angel and survived. But he wasn't the only one tracking down Semyaza, and the demon's escape from an ancient tomb has caught the attention of several powerful entities. Now they will stop at nothing to get Mike to play by their rules. Mike must head out on an international mission to confront the covert brotherhood in an effort to save the world from destruction.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
  • Guardian is available at Amazon
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Erik Williams is a former naval officer and current defense contractor (but he's not allowed to talk about it). He is also the author of Demon and numerous small press works and short stories. He currently lives in San Diego with his wife and three daughters. When he's not at his day job, he can usually be found changing diapers or coveting carbohydrates

For More Information

The Last Grand Master by Andrew Q. Gordon Book Feature - Win a Kindle Voyage!

The Last Grand Master banner


The last grand master Title: The Last Grand Master (Champion of the Gods #1)
Author: Andrew Q. Gordon
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages: 350
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 In a war that shook the earth, the Six gods of Nendor defeated their brother Neldin, god of evil. For the three thousand years since, Nendor and the Seven Kingdoms have known peace and prosperity.

 But then a new wizard unleashes the power of Neldin. Meglar, wizard king of Zargon, uses dark magic to create an army of creatures to carry out his master's will.

 One by one, the sovereign realms fall. Soon the only wizard who can stop Meglar is Grand Master Farrell, the Prince of Haven, the hidden home of refugees. An untried wizard, Farrell carries a secret that could hold the key to defeating Meglar-or it could destroy the world.

 While helping Nerti, queen of the unicorns, Farrell saves Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior the Six have chosen to be Farrell's mate. But Farrell approaches love with caution, and before he can decide how to proceed, Meglar invades a neighboring kingdom. Farrell and Miceral find themselves in the middle of the battle. Farrell pushes himself to the limit as he and Miceral fight not only to stop Meglar but for their very survival.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting to the times, he now writes with a shiny new MacBook that he sets on the same desk as his manual typewriter and vintage adding machine. Long a fan of super heroes, wizards and sports, Andrew’s works include high fantasy, paranormal spirits, magic as well as contemporary fiction. He is still trying to find the perfect story that will include all his favorites under one cover. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband, their young daughter and dog.  In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and occasionally sleeping.

For More Information

   

Andrew is giving away a Kindle Voyage!

Kindle Voyage
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Kindle Voyage.
  • This giveaway begins February 10 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland
Author: Elizabeth Highland
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 370
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 1973 This is the love story of Elizabeth Highland and Timothy Blumefield. To be or not to be… that is their question. Friends for 40 years… they have lived 3000 miles apart for the past 20. Through the twists and turns of life somehow fate and destiny brings them together in an uncanny spiritual journey guided by the universe. Elizabeth chronicles their story… a tale that takes her around the globe to find guidance and inner wisdom. The Chronicles of Elizabeth Highland is a hilarious tale of awakening consciousness. SHAMBHALA

  amazon  

Elizabeth Highland worked as both a designer and manufacturer in the sporting goods industry for twenty-five years. Her products sold in Canada, the United States, Europe, Korea and Japan. As well, she dabbled as an actor in film and improv. Travel has always been a part of her creative inspiration. In recent years Elizabeth lived in Peru and travelled extensively throughout South America. Just back from an adventure in Istanbul, Jerusalem and Jordan, she is currently working on her second novel THE CHRONICHLES OF ELIZABETH HIGHLAND, VOLUME II… The Journey Continues. Elizabeth holds both a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Elizabeth presently lives in Toronto with her dog Little Bear.

Elizabeth is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Gray Skies by Elle Emtage Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card



Title: Gray Skies
Author: Elle Emtage
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 170
Genre: Romance
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 Dunstan’s dashing good looks, thriving business and exotic lifestyle made him one of the world’s most sought after bachelors; but none of this seemed to quell Dunstan’s desire for Destiny. As their courtship evolves their romance is woven from a tapestry of classical beauty and romantic places in the orange light of the Tuscan sun. To Destiny, her life once filled with endless days of meetings and long nights alone is now full of life and love in a whirlwind romance. In the midst of their developing relationship however, tragedy rips them apart and she discovers a thread in time which links their existence to an unbelievable possibility. This possibility threatens their very existence, but Dunstan, fueled by his love, will stop at nothing until he reclaims what he has lost. A fantasy romance novel, Gray Skies demonstrates how true love can even overcome obstacles set by the universe.

  amazon 
Elle Emtage is a business professional and has been published in several media houses. Elle’s passion for writing has transformed throughout the years and she is sharing her love of romance and intrigue through the début of this novel. Elle and her family consider themselves fortunate to live on the beautiful island of Barbados.

Elle is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Love is the Essence of Time by Samuel Douglas Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Title: Love is the Essence of Time
Author: Samuel Douglas
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 114
Genre: Family/Relationship
Format: Ebook
 Purchase at AMAZON

 This book is all about love as seen through the eyes of the author. Love Is the Essence of Time explores his deepest thoughts as he seeks to relate his understanding of the most powerful word on earth. He attempts to answer burning questions that affect everything that love touches. It is one of those books straight from the heart.

  amazon

 Samuel Douglas was born in the parish of St. Catherine, in Jamaica. His family relocated to the parish of Clarendon, closer to the center of the island, where he spent his childhood years. He enjoys playing football attending church and listening to gospel music. However his greatest joy is being around people and making them happy. His goal in life is to do whatever it takes to put smiles on the faces of all the people he meets, and to brighten their days. In fact, he wrote this book about love to do just that. Samuel now works in Canada, where he shows everyone he meets that a good smile is a sign of happiness, especially when it comes from the heart

Samuel is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

645
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 16 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Book Watch: Depression and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers by Deborah Serani





Title: Depression and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Author: Deborah Serani
Publisher: Rowman and Littlefield
Pages: 232
Genre: Self-Help/Psychology, Parenting
Format: Hardback/Paperback/Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON

Seeing your child suffer in any way is a harrowing experience for any parent. Mental illness in children can be particularly draining due to the mystery surrounding it, and the issue of diagnosis at such a tender age. Depression and Your Child is an award-winning book that gives parents and caregivers a uniquely textured understanding of pediatric depression, its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments. Author Deborah Serani weaves her own personal experiences of being a depressed child along with her clinical experiences as a psychologist treating depressed children.
2013 Gold Medal Book of the Year Award – IndieFab (Psychology Category)

2014 Silver Medal Book of the Year Award – Independent Publishing (Parenting Category)

Book Excerpt:

When you held your child for the very first time, you were likely brimming with pride and joy. Your heart swelling with enormous love, you’re swept away with streams of thoughts for what your child needs in this immediate moment – as well as plans and dreams for the future.  You expect there to be wondrous adventures your child will experience, as well as bumps in the road along the way. And that’s okay you say, because you know that life isn’t always an easy journey.    

But one thing you probably never considered was how an illness like depression could take hold of your child.  And why would you? Up until recently, it was never believed that children could experience depression.  Long ago, studies suggested that children and teenagers didn’t have the emotional capacity or cognitive development to experience the hopelessness and helplessness of depression.                                                                                            
Today, we know that children, even babies, experience depression. The clinical term is called Pediatric Depression, and rates are higher now than ever before. In the United States alone, evidence suggests that 4% of preschool aged children, 5% of school-aged children and 11% percent of adolescents meet the criteria for major depression.
         
“Depression and Your Child” grew out of my experience of being a clinician who specializes in the treatment of Pediatric Depression.  I wanted to write a parenting book to raise awareness about depressive disorders in children, teach parents how to find treatment, offer tips for creating a healthy living environment and highlight important adult parenting matters such as self-care, romance and well-being.                                                                                      
I also wrote this book because I have lived with depression since I was a child. As is the case with pediatric depression, my own depression didn’t hit with lightening like speed. It was more of a slow burn, taking its toll in gnaws and bites before hollowing me out completely.  After a suicide attempt as a college sophomore, I found help that finally reduced my depression. Until then, I accepted the sadness, despair and overwhelming fatigue “as the way my life just was.” I never realized, nor did my parents or any other adults, that I had a clinical disorder. I’ve since turned the wounds from my childhood into wisdom and believe that sharing the textures of my experiences will help parents realize what their own depressed child is going through.              
More than anything else, I want this book to offer hope. As a clinician, proper diagnosis and treatment can be life changing and life-saving. As a person living with depression, I have found successful ways to lead a full and meaningful life. I want parents and children who struggle with depression to feel this hope too – and in these pages, that’s what you’ll find.
         
I’m a teacher at heart. Just about everything I do in my personal and professional life has some aspect of nurturance to it. When writing, I want readers to be able to take what’s in these pages and apply them to their life. The chapters herein will give you all the necessary requirements needed to parent you child with depression with confidence and success.                         

You’ll learn about the normative patterns and stages of child development, from  physical, verbal, cognitive, emotional, and social development.  I’ll teach you how to observe your child, how to spot potential concerns and give you the insight needed to help diagnose depression. As you read further, I not only outline traditional treatments for pediatric depression, I delve deeply into holistic methods too. I’m a great believer that there’s more than one way to treat illness – and finding what works for you and your child will be vital. In the pages of this book you’ll also find how to tap school resources for additional support and what kinds of specialists you need to advocate for your depressed child. I discuss the scariest subject matter related to depression, suicide and self- harm, in a manner that is candid and frank, yet hopeful. I want parents to know what to expect from medication if it’s needed, from hospitalization if it’s necessary and what kinds of realistic expectations to have regarding what psychotherapy can and can’t do when it comes to depression.                                                                                   
A significant emphasis in “Depression and Your Child” is making sure you, as a parent, carve out time for yourself and time for your love life. Chapters include tips for intact families, single parents and co-parenting arrangements, as well as caregivers who may need to plan for future caregiving for their depressed child.  And because stigma features strongly in the life of anyone who lives with mental illness, a section of myths, facts and ways to address such stigma is featured. Furthermore, a list of almost 400 high profile people, from athletes, actors, musicians, scientists and world leaders, will help you and your depressed child see that people who have depression can lead meaningful lives.         
         
To broaden the understanding of what’s covered in this book, I’ve included a case study at the end of each chapter.  Though the names and other identifying information have been changed to keep confidentiality, reading the stories of these selected cases will help you understand theories, treatments and techniques.                                                                          
Finally, worldwide resources to advocacy websites, mental health organizations, parenting associations, suicide hotlines and pharmacology agencies round out “Depression and Your Child,” making this truly a guide book for parents.  

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford Book Feature


Black Dog BluesTitle: Black Dog Blues
Author: Rhys Ford
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages: 246
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Ever since he’d been part of the pot in a high-stakes poker game, elfin outcast Kai Gracen figured he’d used up any good karma he had when Dempsey, a human Stalker, won the hand and took him in. Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races were left with a messy, monster-ridden world and Stalkers were often the only cavalry willing to ride to someone’s rescue when something shadowy and dark moved into the neighbourhood.

There certainly were no shortage of monsters or people stupidly willing to become lunch for one.

It was a hard life but one Kai liked. And he was good at it. Killing monsters was easy. Especially since he was one himself.

After an accident retired Dempsey out, Kai set up permanent shop in San Diego, contracting out to the local SoCalGov depot. It was a decent life, filled with bounty, a few friends and most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him he wasn’t really human.

That was until a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego and Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder’s fledgling Dawn Court. It was supposed to a simple run; head up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary with the new Court then back to San Diego. Easy, quick and best of all, profitable. But Ryder’s “simple” run leads to massive trouble and Kai ends up being caught in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping.

No one ever got rich by being a Stalker. But then hardly any of them got old either. The way things were looking, it didn’t look like Kai was going to be the exception.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
rhys-ford  Rhys Ford is a firm believer in love and let love, short walks to a coffee shop and having a spare cat or two. Most days she can be found swearing at her laptop and trying to come up with new ways to kill off perfectly good random characters. Rhys Ford was born and raised in Hawaii then wandered off to see the world. After chewing through a pile of books, a lot of odd food, and a stray boyfriend or two, Rhys eventually landed in San Diego, which is a very nice place but seriously needs more rain. Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats of varying degrees of black fur, a black Pomeranian puffball and a ginger cairn terrorist. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and a purple Bella coffee maker.

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate by Kimbe Abernathy Book Feature!

Can-You-Action-Past-Your-Devils-Advocate-200x300Title: Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate?
Author: Kimbe Abernathy
Publisher: Xlibris
Pages: 93
Genre: Business
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 Are you an existing, new, or upcoming entrepreneur? Do you have business goals? This book is an easy-to-read, relaxed, understand body of work. A great book to assist in expounding one's vision to put all into action through twelve elaborated tips on what it takes to move forward. An undeniable source of motivation bursting with inspiration for the entrepreneurial mind. If you can get through this book, you can get through business. From the desk of an average member of society, "Can you action past your devil's advocate?" Jam-packed with success tips, famous quotes, profiles of iconic successful leaders, mentors and main takeaways. Let's get this body of work read so we can move on to excellence, creating our own success stories! This book provokes you to: rise up to the challenge and overcome leads you to fight for your life and your dreams points you to reach the top at your full potential, in full force.

To Purchase Can You Action Past Your Devil's Advocate:

K. Abernathy better known as Kimbe`, Kentucky native, now California saturated since the 90’s. Passionately spreading growth knowledge to assist ones in reaching their high potentials. Kimbe` an entrepreneur, business owner, director, educator, and deal sealer, currently serving as CEO of a small personal appearance company and Director of youth programs sponsored by regional school districts.
“I noticed success started to come when I stopped looking for people to utilize my full potential and began to create my own opportunities”                                                             -K. Abernathy
Entrepreneur - Author
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/kimbeabernathy

Monday, February 9, 2015

Beautiful Land of the Sky by Loren Wood Book Feature


Title: Beautiful Land of the Sky
Author: Loren Wood
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 624
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook/Paperback
 Purchase at AMAZON

 John Muir is considered to be the supreme icon of western wilderness and preservation. His counterpart in the east is Harlan P. Kelsey, an often obscure and forgotten figure. In Beautiful Land of the Sky, author Loren M. Wood chronicles Kelsey’s journey from the humblest of beginnings to national prominence in horticulture and the establishment of national parks in the eastern United States. In this biography, Wood tells how, a century ago, Kelsey was the first to pioneer native plants for the American landscape and a leader in that process; how he was a leading participant in bringing all of America to our native plants in their finest original setting; and how he helped make a reality of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a zenith of horticultural biomass and diversity in America. In addition, this biography explores the parallels in the odysseys of Muir and Kelsey. Though primarily a biography of Kelsey, Wood compares the similarities, differences, and accomplishments of the two men. Including details gathered from more than fifty thousand items in Kelsey’s personal files, Beautiful Land of the Sky narrates the inspiring and entertaining story of how the idea of national parks was implemented east of the Mississippi.

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 Loren M. Wood is the overseer of the Harlan P. Kelsey Arboretum and holds a Harvard MBA. He is a civic leader in the preservation of historic houses and scenic roads and a member of the American Alpine Club and the Harvard Travellers Club. Now retired from a career in finance, Wood lives with his wife, Sally, in Boxford, Massachusetts.

Beth is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins February 2 and ends on February 13.
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  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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