10.03.2016

Flight Club ~ Book Spotlight with Giveaway

Flight Club is a call to rebel, reinvent, and thrive! The book shares the journey of women who "leaned out" of corporate to launch their dream business.

Felena Hanson, founder of Hera Hub, shares her personal story and rise to entrepreneurship. The book also features the journeys of and advice from six courageous female entrepreneurs: Debby Eubank, Linda O'Keefe, Lorin Beller, Sara Clark-Williams, Deirdre Maloney, and MaryCay Durrant. Each shares an exercise to help you craft your flight path.

The final section of the book includes access to an online platform (www.StepsToStartup.com) which walks you through 17 foundational steps of launching a business. Book buyers will receive three months free access!

This book is for you if ...
You are tired of building someone else's dream
You want to pursue your passion as a career
You are over the corporate politics
You want more control of your time and life
You don't want to build your dream business alone!


Buy the Book :  Amazon  

Watch the Trailer:


Author's Bio:

Felena is a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven. Her latest venture, Hera Hub, is a spa-inspired shared workspace and community for female entrepreneurs. This as-needed, flexible work and meeting space provides a productive environment for growing businesses. Hera Hub members have access to a professional space to meet with clients and to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners, thus giving them the support they need to be prosperous. The company has three locations in San Diego, one in Washington DC, and continues to grow nationally via a licensing model. Her goal is to support over 20,000 women in the launch and growth of their business by 2020. Felena and Hera Hub have been featured in Inc Magazine, the BBC News, Forbes, and the New York Times. She is a published author and international speaker. Her book, “Flight Club – Rebel, Reinvent, and Thrive: How to Launch Your Dream Business” is available on Amazon.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram



Giveaway:​
Prizes

Win a copy of Flight Club: How to Launch Your Dream Business (print or ebook)
with the option of a 30-min coaching session with Felena Hanson
(open to USA and Can)
10 winners total
Ends Oct 15

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10.02.2016

Newton and Polly ~ Review

Newton and Polly
A Novel of Amazing Grace
By Jody Hedlund

His life has been one of the sea, working under his father since he left school. With a five year commitment to work in Jamaica just days away, John Newton is about to throw away all his prospects for the future because of the voice of a young woman.  Polly Catlett has unknowingly captured the heart of young Newton while singing.

But John Newton is not a suitable suitor for Polly in her parents' opinion. He has no prospects drifting from job to job. Other than Polly he pursues nothing with passion. And then there are his vices - which aren't suitable for the ears of any young lady. But most glaring of all to her parents is his lack of faith or belief in God.

For Polly he will do anything except bend his will to God's. And if he can't have Polly, his life has no purpose. But God, as Polly told him, "has more in store for you yet in this life." And to get him to the place he needs to be he is about to be broken in ways he never expected.

The story of John Newton and the hymn that he penned are well known, but not much is known about the woman who was a reason for John Newton to want to be more, to want to be worthy of someone who made him want to leave behind the life he was living.

Just as Luther and Katharina brought the unknown story to life so does Newton and Polly. The catalyst that was necessary for John Newton be willing to hear God in his life was the love offered him by Polly. Undeserved yet given freely the gift of God's grace and forgiveness opened his eyes to what he was truly being offered.

The author's note in the back of the book is a welcome addition as it gives details about the facts of Newton's life that were used in this book.  Under 400 pages in length this would be a fantastic book club choice (and the author has an assortment of extras that you can use for your discussion).  This book is one that you will enjoy drawing out, but it is so good you'll probably keep reading it into the wee hours of the morning.

I was provided a copy of this book through the publisher Waterbrook and the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found...

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

9.30.2016

This Road We Traveled ~ Review

This Road We Traveled
By Jane Kirkpatrick

The Brown and Pringle families is about to experience an upheaval. The family has decided (some very reluctantly) to leave the life they know behind in Missouri and become part of the migration west.  The Oregon Territory is a land that those of an adventurous spirit are longing to be a part of, and Tabitha (Tabby) Brown longs for another adventure..

But Tabby's son Orus has declared that his mother can't join them on their move. Tabby would be a hindrance due to her age. But Tabby's indomitable spirit isn't about to be bossed around by her son when she is perfectly able to make her own decisions. And Tabby has decided she's going to Oregon.

The road isn't easy and they face obstacles that could cost them everything. Each choice must be carefully weighed, risks versus gains. But achieving the end of the journey - Oregon is just the beginning.

This is a story of family and a story of a nation.  The characters are ones one can connect with on different levels. I real liked Tabby's granddaughter Virgilia (yes, this is her name) and Nellie Louise Blodget (who is brought into the family). The historical aspects of this book make one more appreciative of what we have today.

Fans of Jane Kirkpatrick's previous works will enjoy this newest book.  The detail just brings this story to life.  The climatic elements can be felt - the endless days of rain, the burning heat of the desert, and cold of the trail.  There are moments of hopelessness and moments of joy.  This is life.

 I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled inspires the pioneer in all of us.

9.29.2016

The Raven ~ Review

The Raven
A Coffey and Hill Novel #2
By Mike Nappa

The Raven has made a big mistake. He kept some very incriminating evidence that has brought him to the attention of the wrong people. And this little mistake, which includes attempted blackmail may cost him his life.

Fortunately for Raven some of his previous misdeeds bring him into contact with Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill.  Unfortunately for the ex-partners Coffey and Hill, Raven is stuck right in the middle of Nevermore, a rumor of something big and dangerous that is about to shake Atlanta to its core. Can they determine what Nevermore is before it is too late?

It has been over a year since Leonard "Truck" Truckson died but Samuel is still dealing with loss of his CIA handler and his friend. And Truck's past is about to play a roll that was never expected.

It's a game of manipulation and the prize is revenge if Trudi and Samuel can't figure out what the clues aren't telling them. The only question is who is the master manipulator in this dangerous and deadly game.

Those who read the first book in the series Annabel Lee will have an idea of what to expect and the prominence of a certain book of Edgar Allen Poe's works. But if you haven't read the first book you can easily start with this book and enjoy the mystery, the suspense and the verbal sparring between the characters. If you love a good mystery with twists you'll want to pick up this book.  I love how it open with the climax and then goes back to the beginning as the story works its way back to the conclusion.  Excellent way to grab the reader's attention from page one.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review with no expectations that it would be positive all opinions are my own.

About the Book:
As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun--until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named "Nevermore."

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.

QUEEN OF KATWE and Unlikely Champions ~ Thoughts and Movie featurette

How often do we have people around us that find themselves in a seemingly impossible situation and yet they manage not only to survive these obstacles but to overcome them. There are unlikely champions all around us, many of whom never seek the spotlight and just live their lives quietly from day-to-day. You have to look carefully to see them but they are there.

I know of such an unlikely champion - B lived her life fighting to ensure those in the same situation as her would have a better life. The world she has lived in is one with many needs and lacks. But B has worked hard to get an education that many around her don't strive for. Her own health concerns have made her want to help prevent this from being the accepted norm of where she lives to becoming an exception. B is hoping to bring what she has learned home so that those she has grown up with will have the hope of a better tomorrow, one where medical help is just a few feet away rather than hundreds of miles.

People like B are unlikely champions who never win a medal, but they help make their small corner of the world better just through their efforts and their caring. These people are champions of the heart, whose greatest victories are those we never see. These  champions overcome the loss of family, health, and poverty through their perseverance and their drive to help others who may be in a similar situation. 



Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the inspiring true story of Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi.  Phiona was a young girl living in the slums of Katwe, Uganda.  One day she stumbles upon Katende and a group of children playing chess in a makeshift church.  Through the guidance of Katende and the game of chess, Phiona is encouraged to believe in herself.  Eventually, she finds herself not only competing in local chess matches, but winning in international competitions.  Robert and Phiona’s story celebrates the notion that champions can come from the most unlikely places.


QUEEN OF KATWE releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 30

The heartwarming featurette below features  Academy-Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Academy Nominee David Oyelowo.




QUEEN OF KATWE Featurette.

9.28.2016

Mattie's Pledge ~ Review

Mattie's Pledge
Journey to Pleasant Prairie #2
By Jan Drexler

It's 1848 and Mattie Schrock's family is soon to move from their home in Pennsylvania for a new one in Indiana.  But when her sister Annie and her husband Christopher decide not to make the move with them Mattie is torn over the split in her family. But when her old friends the Yoders and the Hertzlers join the move to the new Amish community Mattie is excited at the prospect of renewing her friendship with the other young women.

But as the group makes their way to their new home Mattie sees her friends begin forming attachments of the heart. Mattie has to wonder what her future holds - she doesn't she herself settling down to a life of the everyday of sameness she has come to know. Rather her dream is to see further west - a land with mountains and to see the ocean. But could she leave behind all she knows and those she loves? Or could her dream simply be a temptation to lead her away from the life she could be content with?

The journey to the Indiana settlement will give Mattie a chance to discover the path her life will follow. The path will not be one of ease or luxury as the group travels by wagon. Life in this time was never easy but traveling with no way to easily get aid if a need arose made it even more hazardous and uncertain.

I have not read this author's work before but was able to follow the story easily enough. The first few chapters gave me a little trouble getting into the story but once the actual move got under way I easily got caught up in the story.  I find it interesting that the different Amish groups, like many groups, have issues with the differing views held between the various groups - progressive verses traditional.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectation of a positive review, all expressed opinions are my own

About the Book:

When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie's Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character you'll not soon forget.

9.27.2016

Prince Noah and the School Pirates ~ Review

Prince Noah and the School Pirates
By Silke Schnee
Illustrated by Heike Sistig

When Prince Noah shows an understanding of numbers after helping out in the kitchen, it is decided that he should go to school. But school in Prince Noah's kingdom is very different than school here.

Prince Noah's school was on-board a ship. But everyone was divided onto different ships based on whether they were boys, girls, or had something different about them. Each ship taught something different, but you couldn't go to a different ship you had to stay on the one you were assigned to.

But when all the ships were blown off course into pirate controlled waters all the children and their teachers are in trouble. Thankfully the children work together with their unique skills and talents to save the day, themselves and their teachers.

Being captured by pirates showed the kingdom that each person can have something important to share, but sometimes all the pieces and parts have to be combined to make a real difference. The little prince who saved the kingdom has helped once again to change how people perceive differences. Never again would the children be separated on different ships of learning and each would be able to pursue the talent they were born with.

This is a delightful story in working together and not seeing only the outer layer, but instead seeing the person who is within. This isn't your normal princely tale but one that is invaluable in teaching a lesson that we all can use. Would be a welcome addition to any children's section of the library.

I was provided a copy of this book through Handle Marketing in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Prince Noah may be a little slower than others, but he has no less joy in living and learning.



It's time for young Prince Noah to go to school.  In his kingdom, children go to school on sailing ships. There is a ship for girls and one for boys, one for children with an eye patch and one for children with one leg, and one for children who don't learn as fast. No one knows why there are so many different ships, but it has always been that way. 

Then a terrible storm drives the ships into the hands of pirates. The boys and girls realize that they will only escape if everyone does what he or she does best. Through their adventures, they learn that diversity makes us strong and that every person has something to teach us.

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.