Reading, Writing & Pondering

    Are you looking for a new book to improve your business relationships? Two Types of People by Pat Sitkins recently released from Revell Books.  Understand Hidden Patterns That Allow You to Reach Uncommon Levels of Clarity and Success · Unlock your own transformation · Eye-opening interviews with high-achieving individuals like Navy SEALs, Olympians, CEOs, disruptors, and more · From an in-demand speaker and entrepreneur Those top performers and high achievers we all admire? Each one is living in the tension between confidence and doubt, willpower and hesitation, sociability and solitude. They are tough and vulnerable, driven and exhausted, structured and spontaneous. They’re human beings, just like you. Which means you can be just like them. Through eye-opening interviews with high-achieving individuals like Navy SEALs, professional athletes, CEOs, disruptors, and astronauts, strategic entrepreneur and in-demand speaker Pat Sitkins reveals the hidden pattern...

  In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello is my first book by this author, but I know it won't be my last. This is the most touching book that I have read this year so far. It is definitely a five star read for me. It also doesn't hurt that part of the book is set in a tea store and in a bookstore--two of my favorite places! Lucy Montgomery is a single mom raising an autistic son by herself for the past 5 years in Charity Falls, Oregon, after being married to an abusive husband. She started to get a journalism degree years ago and then left in the middle of the program. However, she works behind the scenes at the local newspaper and has some chances to write--if she will take them. Wyatt Hayes is a local law enforcement officer who also enjoys writing, words and adventures. Lucy is drawn to his kind heart and adventurous spirit, along with his love of words.  Carly Montgomery is Lucy's mom and a beloved woman's Bible study leader who is growing weary in her profession and wonder...

  Mousie Doesn't Have to Go To Sleep by Karissa Taylor is an adorable bedtime board book.  I love how the author writes through the parents in the book that the child doesn't have to go to sleep. So many times young children fight sleep and sometimes bedtime can be a bit of a battle. This book could take some of that away as children are invited to go through the bedtime routine--in a fun way--without having to go to sleep.  This board book is made of thick cardboard pages that are easy for little hands to hold and turn the pages. The book measures roughly 7 inches square and is one-half inch thick. There are 20 pages to the story. Mousie doesn't have to go to Sleep is aimed at children ages four and under. I think this adorable book would be a favorite with my son if he were still that age.   I received a copy of this book from Tommy Nelson through Amazon Vine. All opinions are my own. 

When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in the new Mercy Ridge series. After finishing this book, my first thoughts were, "Whew, what a ride!" It sure kept me turning pages. Sarah Ellison makes her way to Mercy Ridge after learning that her brother was murdered in relation to a deathbed confession by her grandfather. She hopes to find out why and knows that the government buried some sort of secret in the nearby Cascade Mountains. Can She find it? Former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin hasn't worked as a mountain guide for 2 years--not since his dad died in a tragic accident while he was nearby. At first, Ryder says he won't help Sarah but as she continues to face problems, he decides to go ahead and be her guide.  I enjoyed getting to know Sarah and Ryder in When the Silence Breaks . Sarah and Ryder face some obstacles before they head up the mountain. Once on the mountain, they face even bigger obstacles. I don't want to give anything away. This ...

  Grow Wild, My Child by Ainsley Arment is a beautifully illustrated hardcover children's book that was written to encourage children to spend time having outdoor adventures of all kinds. Grow Wild, My Chil d is 32 pages long, aimed at children ages four to eight. This beautiful book measures a little larger than 9 by 11 inches. The illustrations by Bianca Pozzi are gorgeous! The end papers with drawings of various items in nature are also gorgeous. Grow Wild, My Child is meant to instill a sense of wonder in children--wonder at all four seasons outdoors--and having adventures outside through all of those seasons. It also encourages a sense of make-believe and dreaming while outdoors. I think the writing has wonderful rhythm. I love the writing and the pictures. I grew up loving my time outdoors in nature--but that was before the internet got going. I would love to see children continue to love time outdoors in nature and to use their time to dream and imagine as this book encour...

  Happy Release Day to The Happiness Crisis by Jonathan Eckert. This is a great book for those who parent kids ages 9 to 22 today--or for those who are able to teach or mentor kids this age today.  Chasing what feels easy is a human instinct—but it’s only when young people embrace challenges that they become stronger versions of themselves and lead more joyful, meaningful lives. In our happiness-obsessed society, we can become isolated in comfort zones and overly focused on temporary pleasures. Kids naturally do the same. In our effort to protect and help them, we often shield them from discomfort. But are we unwittingly denying them experiences that will form them into strong, capable adults? Could it be that we’re training them to believe that challenges ought to be avoided, and that if they’re struggling, they’re not well? In  The Happiness Crisis , global educational leader Jon Eckert speaks from decades of experience, explaining how he has seen parents, ...