Adunni Dares to Dream Book Review (Write Now Literary Book Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Adunni Dares To Dream, in exchange for review from Write Now Literary Book Tours. The book was written by Taiwo I. Ajao and illustrated by Dr. Ajao. The book is the story of Dr. Ethel A. Adeloye.

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Adunni Dares to Dream by Taiwo I Ajao, Virtual Book Tour, June 5-30, 2017.

Genre:

Historical Fiction, Kids, Youth

Author/Illustrator Bio

The Dr. Ajaos are a husband-wife, doctor-nurse team who have a joint passion for health

literacy, preventative healthcare, and education for at-risk groups in the Global setting.

Mrs. Taiwo I. Ajao, the Author, is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s in Public Health in Maternal and Child Health,while Dr. ‘Wale Ajao, the Illustrator, is an internationally-trained medical doctor with a Master's of Arts in Communications & Producing for Film and Video.

Together, The Dr. Ajaos intend to address health literacy via it’s most fundamental forms: using the arts of writing, entertainment, and communication to educate children and their parents. Adunni Dares to Dream is the beginning of a beautiful merger of not just a celebration of educational achievement, but also of Faith, Hope, Love and Miracles.

About the Book

Adunni Dares to Dream is the true tale of a poor African girl who just wanted to go to school.

Although she was a part of a very hardworking family, Adunni just could not have the finer things in life, like school, books, & literacy. In her culture, girls were just expected to look pretty, get married and have children. But Adunni wished for something more.

As Adunni dares to dream , she inspires many others to dream too, including a handsome young
man who couldn't stop dreaming about her! So Adunni has choices to make. Does she give in to her
society's expectations? Does she chose the status quo? What are Adunni's dreams and where do her
dreams take her?

Excerpt

Whenever Adunni brought up the idea of school, somehow Mama found a way to end it. Despite
the fact that she was illiterate, Mama was sharp, hardworking and very resourceful with money. Mama
had married young, as was common in the culture, and she started to bear children as a teenager. 

It was unfortunate, however, that she experienced the loss of many of those children during childbirth. Only Adunni and her sister had survived, and Adunni wondered often about what she could have done to save those who hadn't made it.

Adunni was tearful as she remembered how her mother had nearly died last year during childbirth. Was every girl expected to get married and have children, even if it killed her? Adunni didn’t want to be like other girls: she wanted to be great. 

Adunni believed that to be great,she must be smart and be able to read, and learn great things. 

My Review: 

First, the book is set in Africa. The book does not mention a specific country or region until chapter 4 (Nigeria). The book is also Christian-based.

The book starts with Adunni upset because her friend was able to go to school but she could not. In her country, parents had to pay for primary school. Adunni had to help her mother take care of her sister too so school wasn't a top option. She also had to help with the farm and sell goods at the market. 

Adunni wanted more out of life than marriage and having children. She saw her friends attend school each day in town and wanted to join them. I was elated when I read later on in the book about how her mother saved up for Adunni to go to school. Adunni used her education to read the bible to her family. The family continued to work to raise funds for secondary school for Adunni.

The book was a quick read for me. It was beautifully illustrated by Dr. Ajao. The book had its share of disappointments and sadness. I liked how Adunni wanted to focus on her education first, similar to how I was when I was younger. I messed up in college and it took years to finally go back and earn my degrees. I applaud Adunni for her dedication and efforts. The book was a good book over all.

Finally, the book has a glossary at the end with African terms used throughout the book. 

Links: 

Amazon Link for Reviews Only

Website

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Follow the tour here



































You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is available in paperback. The book is prime-eligible.

Unchained Book Review (Litfuse)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.




I read Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is Christian-based. The book's subtitle if If Jesus has set us free, why don't we feel free?. Guilt. I am a Christian and I have felt guilt over many things, even years after I asked for forgiveness over and over again.

The author discussed how Christians walk around with heavy chains on, worrying about how many mistakes God is adding up. For me, one of my heavy chains is my sexual past. The author said "there is no joy in sin and I felt trapped." I have felt that way many times after having one sexual encounter after another. I was sexually free, but not truly free with God. Freedom should tell the world you are Christian was one of the most powerful lines in the book.

Another topic, which hit me hard was about prayer schedules and reading the bible. The author discussed how people have good intentions to read the bible and pray every day, but then things get in the way. The idea of reading and praying becomes more important than following Jesus. It is like when I took a bible course on purity years ago. Some days, I forgot to log in, so I tried to double up and triple up the next day. Completing the course became more important than trying to improve my spiritual life. When I did complete the course, I was more happy I finally finished though I barely learned anything.

The author said the problem with man-made rules is the rules place yokes, which require more than the bible commands. The man-made rules changes how we think God feels about us and when we fail, "we don't feel free."

I also liked the section on the law (biblical law, aka the old testament). The author discusses how people place different levels of importance on different laws. Is it a better sin if we steal some paper from work versus robbing a  bank? How important is keeping the Sabbath? When was the last time we truly kept the Sabbath?

The section on the law was my favorite section in the book.

The book has discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The book was an amazing read.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book comes in Kindle and Hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

Eden: The Animals Parables Book Review (Litfuse)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.



Return to the story of Jesus and read it from a new perspective in Keith Korman's Eden: The Animals' Parable. In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals-especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden. Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Eden
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.

http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

My Review

I read Eden: The Animals Parable, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Keith Korman. The book was illustrated by Lisa Paris. The book is meant for more school age to older kids, not mine since the book has more words than pictures. The stories was easy to follow and very entertaining, especially the first story about Old Gray and the Roman legion soldiers.

You can buy the book using the link above. The book is prime-eligible. The book comes in Kindle and paperback form.

Date like a Girl, Marry Like a Woman (iRead Book Tour).

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by iRead Book Tours. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About the book:

Date Like a Girl, Marry Like a Woman: The Polished Woman's Guide to Love, Romance, and Sex will help you navigate how to have a good time with "Mr. Right Now" and how to hold onto "Mr. Right" once you find him. Providing a mix easy to follow rules, and anecdotes showcasing how they worked (and in some cases what happened when they were ignored), Jessica Bunevacz is the best friend you'll wish you had all along and the one whose advice you'll go back to again and again.

Unlike “The Rules”, its successors, or similar books offering guidance on how to snag a man, this book isn't about playing hard to get, instead it's about playing to win. And the only way that you can truly to that is when you acknowledge yourself as the MVP. This is why one of the first rules in Date Like a Girl, Marry Like a Woman: The Polished Woman's Guide to Love, Romance, and Sex is about shedding your insecurities, and why other rules offer insight on looking, feeling, and being your best, with an emphasis on having your own life. Additionally, while other guides stop when you get to a marriage proposal, this is the book you'll come back to after you say “I do”. Understanding that happily ever after may be a good way to end a movie, but isn't a good way to start a marriage there are real tips about everything from friendship to sex to finances with both humor and heart.

Ultimately Date Like a Girl, Marry Like a Woman: The Polished Woman's Guide to Love, Romance, and Sex is a work that is meant to transcend beyond the pages as it's lessons are applied in daily life. It never asks a woman to shy away from her impulses or to hide who she is or what she wants, and instead celebrates her independence and sensuality while showing her ways that she can make her romantic life more fulfilling.

Author's Bio:

What do you get when you mix a strict Catholic upbringing, a strong curiosity for the opposite sex, and the need to grow up quickly? If you're lucky you get an outcome like Jessica Bunevacz, the vivacious and outspoken first time author behindDate Like a Girl, Marry Like a Woman: The Polished Woman's Guide to Love, Romance, and Sex.

Born Jessica Rodriguez in the Philippines and raised by her grandparents after the separation of her mother and father, Bunevacz was thrust into the role of provider after the murder of her mother when she was fifteen. With four siblings relying on her she began work early, first as a live mannequin and later as a model, actress, talent manager and television host. The jobs not only helped her to support her siblings, but also her first two children. One of her proudest moments while working in entertainment was as the force behind a project called “Miss Ugly No More” where women were showed how they could feel and look their best. Juggling family and work Bunevacz was not content to simply sit on the sidelines while life passed her by, and dating became her favorite contact sport.

Traveling frequently for work and fascinated by men it wasn't long before she developed a set of rules to snag them, and guidelines for how she could remain at her best without being bested by the games others were playing. It wasn't long before she became a self-proclaimed MANnizer, capable of capturing and holding the attention of whoever interested her, while also continuing to do what was in her best interest as both a mother and entrepreneur with both family and a business to protect.

A romantic at heart however she soon stopped her pursuit of “Mr. Right Now” when she met the man who was “Mr. Right”, the man who became her husband. Newly married, she found herself rethinking everything she knew and realized that the same qualities that made a woman an amazing girlfriend didn't necessarily work for a wife. Rather than wait for someone else to write a marriage manual, she retooled her dating rules for herself to apply for a life after marriage. Jessica Bunevacz is now a happily married wife and mother of three currently residing in California.

While her life has been unconventional she has no regrets, and lives with the understanding that we all have the same basic desire: to feel loved, whether it's just for one night or for an entire lifetime. Using her own life experiences as a basis she develop real-world relationship advice to help women feel more confident and comfortable whether they're dating or have already said "I do".

My Review:

I wanted to read the book because I struggle at this dating thing. I would like to get re-married again one day, but I have to navigate the troubled waters of the dating pool. I thought my biggest issue was having herpes (10 years), but now I worry about how men will respond to my kids and how men will respond to my celibacy. I recently had a man, I talked to for 3 days over the phone (I hate talking over the phone) only to tell me he is not interested if I continue to remain celibate. 

In the book, the author discussed her dating experiences, but she does not claim to be an expert in dating. The book is broken up into two parts: One for women, who are dating, (Date like a girl) and one for women, who are married (Marry like a woman).

The first thing, I found interesting was when the author described the most common types of men women will see while dating: Mr. Boring; Mr. Immature; Mr. High Profile; Mr. Big Spender; Mr. Insecure; Mr. Cheap; Mr. Jealousy; Mr. Married Man; Mr. Workahololic; Mr. Nice Guy; Mr. Superhero; Mr. Mama's boy; Mr. Narcissist; and Mr. Shady

Then, the author goes into the rules such as Don't date a married man; Open up your insecurity box (be open about your insecurities); and Never chase a man.  You don't have to call someone constantly or always take initiative when it comes to calling, texting, or setting up dates. If someone is interested in you, he will initiate contact and you don't have to ring his phone 30 times in one day. The author also recommends not sleeping with a man on the first date.

I strugged with rule 5: Let him know you're interested. If you like someone, let him know (provided he is available).

You can read about more rules in the the book. The book is available in paperback and kindle

Social Media

Author Website

Book's Website

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

The Fairy Tale Formula Review (Sage Book Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read the Win His Heart Now!: 10 Simple Steps to Get What You Want  by Elena Burnett, in exchange for honest review.

About the Book:

The Fairy Tale Formula discusses the ten most common fairy tale misconceptions women have about men dating and relating. It also discusses how to date the right way.

Burnet discusses how to get inside the mind of a man to determine how he feels about love and romance.

The Fairy Tale Formula is a manual on the art of love and communication. It will help you realize the adjustments needed in your dating and relationship life in order to get the success you deserve! International Relationship Specialist and Dating Author, Elena Burnett, will reveal the solutions to you in her clear even-handed approach.

This important book on dating and communication strategy will help you see love and romance through the eyes of men. You may very well identify with more than one situation presented in these fairy tale ideas women have about men as you learn the reasons why they are not working. Solutions will be provided to you in each of the cases discussed in the book. These proven effective tools and tips will allow you to do your part correctly and make him fall for YOU!

The REAL truth about men dating and relating every woman need to know.

Author Bio

Elena was born in France and raised between Paris and Madrid.. Elena is Multilingual and world traveled, speaks French, Spanish, English and Italian. She has been living in the United States for the past 14 years and received her Bachelor's Degree in Metaphysical Healing Art here as well.

Elena is an International Relationship and Dating Specialist with more than 20 years of experience helping men and women in their romantic life, having studied extensively with Dr. Pat Allen.. Elena is also an Spiritual Counselor. Her interest in Alchemy and the Esoteric sciences spans her entire lifetime. Her specialty is tarot card, palmistry, face analysis and numerology, with an emphasis on relationships of all types and career readings.

My Review

I always struggled with dating. Even now, in my 30s, I still struggle with the concept of dating. I think now dating would be too much of a burden, since I don't have babysitters for my children. I also am scared to death once someone meets my kids, especially if Brad has a major meltdown or Kalen has a spell. I definitely have learned from past dating and past marriage experiences, such as I will never live with a man before marriage again.

In my head, my fairy tale man is someone, who believes in God. He must be financially secure. He must not want any more kids. I love an older man, with bald head or a short hair cut. He also must be celibate because I'm not going to be celibate alone, while he entertains other women's company. 

The book tries to discuss the fairy tale myths, younger women and men (45 or younger) experience. 

Social Media:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Aoleon the Martian Girl Book Review (iRead Book Tour)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About the book: from media kit

Crop circles magically appear in Farmer Johnson’s field. A mysterious light sweeps over the night sky and awakens Farmer Johnson and Gilbert, the boy next door.

Curious, Gilbert ventures out to discover the source of the light and stumbles into a beautiful Martian girl sitting in a crop circle. Farmer Johnson also investigates the strange light, and thinking that Gilbert and Aoléon are vandals, he chases them. But they sprint to Aoléon’s saucer and escape only to be pursued by the U.S. Air Force.

Gilbert has never been attacked by swarms of giant killer robots. Never met strange aliens from other worlds. Never skyboarded across a megalopolis hidden deep inside an extinct volcano. Never trekked across a vast Martian desert. And never been eaten alive by a gigantic slor (well, almost never, unless you count Billy the fat bully at school).

And luckily, he has never ever confronted an evil ruler of Mars bent on conquering the Earth to steal its cows.

Never...until now!

This may be the adventure Gilbert always wished for.

If only he can survive.

About the Author: from media kit

Brent LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

My Review

I read Aoleon The Martian Girl: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Saga - Part 1 First Contact, in exchange for honest review from iRead Book Tours. I was provided an advance copy of the book. The book is Young Adult (YA). The genre is science fiction and fantasy.

Gilbert, the main character, starts the book, with a repeat nightmare. He wakes up suddenly, wondering why the nightmare keeps recurring. The dreams started when a crop circle mysteriously appeared on a neighbor's farm. The town has various theories about why the crop circles appeared, but none has provided valid proof.

Gilbert's parents are going through a divorce and Gilbert wants to escape. Little does he know, his wish was about to come true.

Aoleon, the martian space girl, from Terra was on her way to Earth.

The images in the book are on point. Very colorful, bright. Some appear 3dish.

The words in the book are simple enough for a child in middle school to understand. The words per page is also short enough to grab a child's attention. 

Social Media

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Aoléon: The Martian Girl

Buy the Book:

Preorder Aoleon The Martian Girl: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Saga - Part 1 First Contact for $4.99. The book will be released January 15th, 2015.
​

Buy The Martian Girl Song:

Another World - Single, Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

A Beautiful Wilderness (Write Now Virtual Book Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read A Beautiful Wilderness, in exchange for honest review from Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours.

About the Book:

Keanu Omira is a wealthy Nigerian private equity investor whose ruthless backroom dealings have brought him to the top of the corporate ladder. Driven by passion to escape memories of his childhood poverty, he would do anything, hurt anyone to keep his fortune growing; leaving him with little thought for his family.

Cathy Omira, a beautiful and successful events manager loves her husband still and hates the towering invisible wall growing between them. Her distress mounts daily as she tries to understand why Keanu cheats on her and doesn’t seem to care enough for their two adorable children.

One bright morning, Keanu is on his way to seal a hostile takeover of a fledgling company owned by his childhood friend Bisi Sanders, when he is involved in a ghastly car accident. From that point, his life takes an unusual downward spiral. He is helpless as subsequent events trap him in a remote place he never knew existed.

As the hand of the clock cycles on and Keanu’s ambitions no longer mean much to him, all he craves for is a chance to unearth what is fast becoming an elusive key to aid his return back home.

Will he ever find it?

About the Author:

Dupe Olorunjo is an Inspirational fiction writer who loves to create stories to challenge her readers to consider life-changing possibilities sometimes outside their normal reach.

She is also the author of Tailed, a compelling tale of a troubled family of five; and The Aireginan Dreamthe story of one man’s quest to set his country free from the shackles of corruption.

Character Interview:

Q. Please tell the readers who are the main characters?


The four main Characters in my latest novel A Beautiful Wilderness are: Keanu Omira; Cathy Omira; Bisi Sanders and Bonje.

Q. What or is there conflict in the story?

Keanu Omira is conflicted within himself. He’s quite arrogant and believes the world revolves around him and whatever he wants. He can’t really understand why he should be selfless and resists any expectation from all quarters, for him to behave differently.

Then there is Cathy Omira who loves her husband regardless of his flagrant philandering. But on the other hand she is also becoming attracted to a charming handsome man who takes time to make her feel special.

Q. Which characters in “are you most like?
Hmn. I think Bisi Sanders. She is organized, prim and proper. She also frets at the initial sign of a major challenge but soon enough settles down to find a solution

Q. Take us inside “your book” What are two major events taking place?

Keanu Omira is determined to implement a hostile take-over of Bisi Sanders Fast Food Company. Bisi was his childhood sweetheart and the take-over is promised revenge, for the pain he felt when she dumped him.

In the second half of the book, Keanu is lost and struggles to find a way back home. He meets faithful new friends but they cannot replace the rediscovered love for his wife and children, no matter how badly he had treated them.

Q. Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?

Yes but on a general level. There are many of us out there who are like the four main characters. I am hoping that anyone who reads A Beautiful Wilderness will find the strength to make changes where necessary.

Q. Describe each character in three words?

• Keanu Omira – Arrogant, Philanderer, Self-driven
• Cathy Omira - Impetuous, Strong Willed, principled
• Bonje - Caring, Forgiving, Selfless
• Bisi Sanders - Homely, Industrious, Pessimist

Q. If your book became a movie who would play the characters?

I would safely leave that to the casting director but my initial thoughts would be these very accomplished Nigerian Actors.

• Keanu…. Wale Ojo or Joseph Benjamin
• Cathy….. Nse Ikpe Etim
• Bonje…. OC Ukeje
• Bisi Sanders….Omoni Oboli

Read sample chapter: http://bit.ly/1x4BxcG

My Review: pending

I wanted to read the book because of the description. Powerful man gets into a car accident and now needs help, probably from the ones, who he has treated badly over the years. The description remind me of Diary of a Mad Black Woman from Tyler Perry.

What I found interesting was Keanu witnessed a car accident in the beginning of the book and called the drivers reckless. He showed no compassion for the victims. Keanu is also gathering insight about his friend, Bisi's company, so he can take over the billion dollar empire.

The book was interesting. I read a few chapters/sections quickly before I knew it.

You can purchase the paperback or kindle edition on Amazon. You can also read the sample chapter, using the link above. 

Social Media

Twitter #abeautifulwilderness

Facebook Fan Page

Website

Motherhood Smotherhood Book Review and Blog Tour (Sage Publications)

I received this book in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided.

About the Book: (From Media Kit)

Author: JJ Keith

Genre: Non Fiction/Parenting

What's the first thing a woman does when she thinks she might be pregnant? 

She Googles. And it goes downhill from there. While the internet is full of calming and cheerily supportive articles, it's also littered with hyper-judgmental message boards and heaps of contradictory and scolding information. 

Motherhood Smotherhood takes parents through the trenches of new parenting, warning readers of the pleasures and perils of mommy blogs, new parent groups, self-described "lactivists," sleep fascists, incessant trend pieces on working versus non-working mothers, and the place where free time and self-esteem goes to die: Pinterest (back away from the hand-made flower headbands for baby!)

JJ Keith interweaves discussions of what "it takes a village" really means (hint: a lot of unwanted advice from elderly strangers who may have grown up in actual villages) and a take-down of the rising "make your own baby food" movement (just mush a banana with a fork!) with laugh-out-loud observations about the many mistakes she made as a frantic new mother with too much access to high speed nternet and a lot of questions. 

Keith cuts to the truth--whether it's about "perfect" births, parenting gurus, the growing tide of vaccine rejecters, the joy of blanketing Facebook with baby pics, or germophobia--to move conversations about parenting away from experts espousing blanket truths to amateurs relishing in what a big, messy pile of delight and trauma having a baby is. 

Author Bio (from media kit)

JJ Keith has written about being a crappy attachment parent for Salon, explored the disturbing undertones of Thomas the Tank Engine for TheRumpus.net, come out as pro-vaccine for The Huffington Post, interviewed Samantha Irby for Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture, differentiated being judgmental and having an

opinion for Role/Reboot, admitted to a bare knuckled brawl with a dude for The Nervous Breakdown, examined the phenomenon of "don't touch the bump" t-shirts for Babble, and explained what new moms have in common with teenage boys for The Hairpin.

Her writing has been syndicated in the Sydney Morning Herald, iVillage Australia, Mamamia, and Alternet, and she's taken her work to the stage with The Moth,
Happy Hour Story Experiment, Write Club, and Expressing Motherhood and spoken about parenting issues with APM's Marketplace, HuffPost Live, and on a panel at the 2013 LA Times Festival of Books.

Her micro-memoir won a $2,500 prize from Reader's Digest and was anthologized in The Best Life Stories: 150 Real-life Tales of Resilience, Joy, and Hope-All 150 Words or Less!


She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and her two children.

Book Excerpt (from media kit)

The vast majority of chatter surrounding parenthood is junk. All of these seemingly divisive decisions—like pain meds in labor, newborn sleep arrangements, and scheduling—are often phrased as moral imperatives from both sides. 

Screw that.

Take care of your kid. Do what works. Babies are more durable than we give them credit for. As a parent, I can be wrong as long as I realize it and change. That means it’s okay to make educated guesses and then sort out the consequences. 

And it means I have to play this parenting gig by ear, which is disquieting for people with controlling tendencies like me. But I must control my tendency to be controlling or else I will imprison myself. Infants cannot be micro- managed, nor can toddlers, children, teenagers, spouses, or nannies.

Parents who want to be perfect can knock themselves out, but I’d rather they not blame the institution of parenthood (or worse, their babies) when they go two years without finishing a sentence, sleeping through the night, or having sex.

My Review

I remember years ago posting about spanking my kids but it wasn't effective and got heat because whipping Autistic children is wrong, even if you just tapped my boys on the leg. Or the relative or two, who felt like my oldest should be institutionalized for life. Or the relative, who didn't like I breastfed Kalen past the age of one. 

Motherhood, full of unwanted advice to an introvert, who could care less most of the time. I have to find the best methods for my brats. What works and what doesn't work may not be reflective of society's standards. 

I loved the concept of the book. You are not only competing with yourself, but with others. It is hard enough being a mom. It is hard getting phone calls from school, wondering if this is the call, which puts your child out of school because he had a level 5 full blown meltdown. Can you come get him, when you have no licence or car? 

Some Most days, I feel inadequate, like I am not good enough based on my failures, instead of my successes. My kids go the doctor. They are caught up on shots. They take their medications, but yet not good enough. 

The book is about fighting the idiots,who question our parenting, making us feel more inadequate, when we struggle to do the best we can. I can be wrong at times. I am allowed to make mistakes. I don't have to be perfect, even though I want to be.

Social Media:

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Website

Book on Amazon

Good Reads

Careful by Randy Anderson Book Review and Tour (Promotional Book Tours)

For two decades Tyler Gibbons has been keeping a secret from his family. At the tender age of sixteen, Tyler embarks on a student exchange program. Sent to the Andean city of Ambato, Ecuador, he finds daily adventure as he tries to fit in at school, connect with his host family, and navigate through a world of beaches, volcanoes, and jungles.

But tucked deep inside this year are events so profound, so unexpected, they forever shape the man he will become. Now, 25 years later, his mother pulls these soaring tales from her son, exposing, for the first time, the source of a deep unhappiness. While these memories contain the wounds of an unresolved past, they also possess the power to heal his painful present. Thoughtfully crafted and boldly told, Tyler’s journey takes the reader on a wild South American adventure, while illuminating a mother’s unyielding power to heal her child.

Buy on Paperback / Kindle / Nook / Kobo / Smashwords / iTunes

Meet the Author:

Randy Anderson is a novelist and playwright. His first book was published in 2011. On Making Off recounted his adventures running The Beggars Group, a downtown theater company that produced over two dozen productions at the turn of the millennium.

He is also the author of several plays including; Kill the President, The Dwelling, and Yippie! Randy currently lives in Brooklyn where he writes, reasons, and reacts.

You can contact him at www.onmakingoff.com , or on twitter @onmakingoff.

Find the author on: Facebook / Twitter / Literary Addicts / Goodreads / Website

My Review

The book was a good read. In the beginning, Tyler is returning home after a long absence, visiting his mother in the hospital. Tyler is not sure what's wrong, but he showed up to support his family. Tyler's mother kept a postcard Tyler sent when he did an exchange program in Ecuador, but Tyler never told anyone what happened on the trip. This starts the premise of the story: What happened when Tyler was 16, on a trip to another country?

The first chapter was written excellent and it made me want to read more of the book. 

Follow the Book Tour

Born at Dawn Book Blast (Write Now Literary Book Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About the Book

Thirty-four year old Cynthia Barclay knows that marriage is supposed to be for better or for worse. Unfortunately, for the last ten years of her marriage Cynthia has experienced the worst that marriage has to offer at the hands of her abusive husband Marvin Barclay. 

With the hope of saving herself and her family she turns to the Lord. Expecting to see God manifest himself greatly in her life sooner than later Cynthia is not content just waiting. She wants out.


Abandoning her hope, her husband, and her two young sons Cynthia boards a bus from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. She begins a new life armed with six thousand dollars on a prepaid credit card, a sketchy plan for success, and a promise to return for her sons.

That is until she meets Cheo, a photojournalist with enough connections to take her where she wants to be and forget where she came from.After six years in Richmond Cynthia’s dark past resurfaces. At the risk of losing it all—her past and her present Cynthia returns home to right her wrongs. 

Has Cynthia chosen the right time to return home or is it too late for God to restore everything she has broken?

About the Author:

Nigeria Lockley possesses two Master's degrees, one in English Secondary Education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. 

Her second Master's degree is in Creative Writing. Born at Dawn is Nigeria’s first published novel. 

Nigeria serves as the Vice President of Bridges Family Services, a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. 

She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Church of God. 

Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters.

Social Media

Website

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Buy Links

Born at Dawn (Urban Books)

Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours

Author Tour Schedule

ENTER TO WIN An AUTOGRAPH COPY OF BORN AT DAWN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zero Alternative Book Review (CM Book Tours)

This post contained Amazon Affiliate links.

I reviewed Zero Alternative in exchange for honest review from CM Book Tours. A copy of the book was provided for review. No other compensation was provided. The synopsis, author bio, and social media links was also provided by CM Book tours.

Synopsis:

Framed, hunted, betrayed…
Scott Walker is a fugitive from the quicksands of Finance, with one card to play – DeepShare, a silicon oracle coveted by billionaires, hitmen and hackers. As he fights for survival and vengeance, digging deeper into the dark heart of the global economy, one question torments him: what price will the world have to pay?


ZERO ALTERNATIVE is an action-packed conspiracy thriller that plucks at the base of human nature. When our grip on love, hope and morality starts to slide, the only future worth living is the one we choose for ourselves.

Author Bio:

Luca Pesaro was born in Italy in 1971, but he has spent most of his adult life in the US or UK. Being a proud UWCer, he likes to think of himself as just another random citizen of the world.

After spending a few years gaining a degree (LSE) and masters (Bocconi University) in the pseudo-science that is Economics, he got bored, jumped the gun and became a derivatives trader in financial markets, first with the tragic Lehman Brothers, then with a bunch of other banks, somehow always managing not to blow up. He wrote his first novel in Italian in the mid-nineties, but then decided English worked much better for the type of stuff he liked to read and write, and switched. (Easy to do, he has forgotten most of his written Italian).

Recently he has decided to dedicate himself fully to his great passion since the age of eight – writing, mainly Fiction, but anything that amuses him at any given time. Zero Alternative is his first English novel, and he is hard at work on his second thriller, A Game of Kings.

He is married to the awesome Francesca and they have two children, Asia and Joshua, who always manage to annoy, surprise and delight beyond any reasonable expectation.

My Review

The book is about Scott "Yours" Walker, a financial worker.

I wanted to review the book based on the description. I liek finance even though I don't always understand it. I passed all my finance courses in college because I studied more. I knew math would be my weakness, so I put extra effort into my studies;

I loved reading the book. The book started with Walker a little worried about the Europe financially. China and a few other countries had closed for the day. The book has suspense, action, and moves at a good pace.

Author Links:

Website - http://lucapesaro.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lucapesarobooks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/biagiotrader

500 Hats of a Modern Day Woman by Joyce Ellis Book Review (Litfuse)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About the book (From Litfuse)

In The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you'll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles-and gain insight into the roles of women around you. With honesty, humor, and practicality, Joyce Ellis helps you see how your roles can fit together to make a difference in your world. Questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter make this book suitable for book clubs and small-group Bible studies as well.

About the Author:

Joyce K. Ellis, award-winning author of more than a dozen books, speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country and internationally. She and her husband enjoy reading by lakes and rivers and oceans, and spending time with their grown children and delightful, too-quickly-growing grandchildren. They live in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota.

My Review

I received 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman: Strength for Today's Demanding Role in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I received a PDF copy of the book. I wanted to read the book because we, as women, wear different hats or roles.

For example, I am a:

• Mother and caregiver
• Daughter
• Sister
• Blogger
• Student Journalist
• Friend
• Confidant
• Woman practicing celibacy
• Crazy woman
• soon to be divorced woman

I have many roles. Some I like. Some I love. Some I disdain. Some I despise. Yet, I still have to take time out and teach the kids something. Take those precious minutes and take a long shower. Read Kalen a page out of  whatever book he brings me. Make sure to give Brad his meds. Wake up in the morning to make sure Brad gets up for school.

I liked the chapter about marriage. Sometimes women get married and don't have a clue what they are getting into. I definitely had no clue. I didn't like being married. Wasn't sure if it was for me. It lost its appeal quickly. We lasted through one session of pre-marital counseling. I was not comfortable telling another human being my problems, especially when the pastor/counselor was my ex's uncle. I am a natural introvert and counseling was painful for me.

Ellis discussed instead of competing with her husband for time and whatever else, she cooperated and helped him along. For example, she said she was not a fan of football. Could not understand her husband's obsession. Then, she decided to cooperate with his interests. She watched games with him. She bought t-shirts for both of them. He also started learning to accommodate her interests. Steve would gather up the kids after church, while Ellis sung in the choir for second service.

Then Ellis discussed one of my biggest joys, biggest frustrations, motherhood. I have another level: special needs motherhood. I never imagined I would have kids, let alone special needs kids. Many night (and days), I wonder why God blessed me with special needs kids. I lack patience. I'm slightly off. I'm anal when it comes to certain things. I don't always like to talk to myself because my kids don't comprehend the words.I definitely was not expecting a 13 year old and a two year old in the same year lol. Some of my latest blessings and let downs included;

1. Kalen learned to say the word NO
2. Kalen learned how to move a chair to get what he wants, including climbing on top of the freezer.
3. Kalen kicked me in the eye last night, while sleep, knocking off my glasses
4. Brad tosses his diapers wherever, instead of the trash bags or diaper pail. 
5. Brad has not had any complaints from school in a few weeks. 

Ellis said mothers need God. We can't do it alone. We need to seek him. Seek out his wisdom. Set limits. Write things down in the calendar (because I will forget).

At the end of each chapter, Ellis provides websites and books for future reference. She also presents discussion questions for personal or small group bible study. What sets the discussion questions apart is many refer back to the bible. Read a verse, then answer the question. I also like the thoughts to ponder. 

Balanced by Tricia Goyer Book Review (Litfuse)

I received the book in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I wanted to review the book because I am a work at home mom. I am a blogger, author, and grad student. I also have two SPED boys. As much as  I try to stay organized, I still feel disorganized and forgetful at times. I also like how the book is Christian-based.

Throughout the book, Goyer offers chances to pause and reflect on topics.

Goyer discusses scheduling and prioritizing, but most importantly she discussed submitting to God's will for your life. In the midst of screaming kids, we still have to find time to serve and praise God.

About the Book: (from Litfuse)

Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom

How can a work-at-home mom raise kids, juggle a career and take care of family responsibilities with only 24-hour days? Working at home while raising kids and juggling a career and family responsibilities is no easy feat. Author and homeschooling mom Tricia Goyer shares her tips for finding balance among all your many hats as a mom. Balancing is a process and a journey, one that Tricia herself has yet to perfect. But between writing more than forty books, raising and homeschooling six kids, being a wife, and being active in her community, she has amassed valuable tips she shares in “Balanced.”

The book includes tips on:
—how to create focus themes for your family
—how to prioritize your schedule
—how to utilize your job so it also benefits your kids
—how to keep yourself out of the comparison game
—how to make working at home work for you
—and much more!

Purchase a copy, get a free downloadable workbook, and learn more at Tricia’s website.

About Tricia Goyer (from Litfuse)

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Sign up for the balanced challenge

Real Women Leading Book Review, Tour, and Giveaway (LitFuse)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values
in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder. I received a paperback of the book.

About the book:

Today's marketplace is not always a "values-friendly" environment. Business leaders Lisa Troyer andDawn Yoder show you that you can live and thrive in a "valueless" workplace when you live by biblical values and principles.

Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today's Christian woman. Written bywomen in the marketplace, RealWomen cultivates biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten foundational principles. Once women embrace these ten principles, they will soon discover the multiple attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman in today's marketplace and learn practical ways to implement the wisdom from that timeless Scripture passage.

Women will be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts and talents in the marketplace as they live out the principles that invite others to embrace the equality-inspiring values they live by. Knowing that we are not the end users of the gospel message, the Proverbs 31 leader will find the initiative to inspire the upcoming generation to view womanhood as a gift and continue the learning process that will impact generations to come.

About the Authors:

Lisa Troyer Sometimes referred to by friends as the "singing executive," wife, mom, radio personality, recording artist, speaker, and author. Her Circle of Friends women's outreach, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence, and her resources to open doors for women to discover their significance and belonging. She and her family currently live in Ohio.

Learn more about Lisa at: http://www.lisatroyer.com

Dawn Yoder is passionate about developing people to discover their strengths and reach their leadership potential. As CEO of a 500-plus employee company, she seeks to bring values and principle-based thinking into all aspects of society through a round table environment. Dawn is a member of the John Maxwell coaching team, an international trainer, a speaker with the Circle of Friends ministry, a contributing writer, a songwriter, and a frequent worship leader. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for more than 20 years and have four children.

Learn more about Dawn at: http://dawnyoder.com

My Review

I wanted to read the book to learn about Christian woman leadership. The book also references the Proverbs 31 woman, who was truly superwoman. 

Proverbs 31: 10-31

10 

The book teaches 10 principals to help women:

1. Value of understanding people
2. Value of forgiveness
3. Value of responsibility
4. Value of resolving conflict
5. Value of restraint
6. Value of honesty
7. Value of planning
8. Value of generosity
9. Value of Influence
10. Value of Attitude

Each chapter discusses a value, in addition to discussing a woman from the bible.

I am definitely not a P31 woman. I have been married before, but I don't think I was a good wife. I wasn't always supportive. I didn't always have the write attitude and I definitely did not understand people. Getting married at 19 was not a good idea for me.

Some of the things I liked about the book was speaking with purpose. Meeting someone at their needs to get to know them better. Something simple as a glass of water can strike up a conversation. Learning how to talk to people, the right way, without offending them all the time. Developing empathy (something I definitely need to do in ALL situations). 

The book also has discussion questions throughout the book. The book also has action steps with room to write down thoughts. 

The book is available on Kindle and Physical format. 

Giveaway

Real Women Leading: With Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today’s Christian woman. Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder are celebrating the release of their book with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook "Leading with Values" author chat event on March 20th.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• Real Women Leading by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 20th. Winner will be announced at "Leading with Values" Facebook Party on March 20th. Connect with Lisa and Dawn for an encouraging discussion on how we can lead (at home and in the workplace) effectively and with biblical values. Win prizes, connect with other leaders, and be inspired.

So grab your copy of Real Women Leading and join Lisa and Dawn on the evening of March 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!