TAILOR MADE by Alex Seely

When I began reading TAILOR MADE by Alex Seeley my first thought was Dr. Myles Munroe. Her inspirational words reminded me so much of his biblically based truths. As her personal story began to open within the biblical truths she presented I began to identify with her journey and thus the importance of this book was revealed.

TAILOR MADE -Discover the Secret to Who God Created You to Be by Alex Seeley is the best Bible based self help book a person could invest in. In fact I would go so far at to say: If you are a parent or plan to be one you need to read this book.

Other motivational speakers will challenge you to declare how great you are this book helps you why you doubted your greatness to begin with. Beginning with the introduction: “What Label Are You Wearing” the reader takes the journey of the author form wounded warrior to victorious child of God.

I am excited about this book! It is 196 pages of information as to how you go to where you are. Its’ final chapter “It’s Your Turn” makes the book personal. You write the ending, you determine which direction you will go. “No matter what your past looks like, remember that you are God’s masterpiece.” (page 197)

I was talking to my daughter a few months ago and I was giving her encouragement; as successful as she is she thought she had failed in a lot of areas. We began to talk about the things I might have said or the words of others that were seeds of failure planted in her heart. Some of the things she heard was not actual what was said; she began to uproot them all. I was able to help her because I like the author, Alex Seeley, had to uproot a lot of negativity that was planted in my life in order to believe that: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

As always when I like something I can’s stop talking about it!  Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

WHOLENESS by Toure Roberts

WHOLENESS Winning in Life from the Inside Out by Toure Roberts is a book worth reading. I was not going to read it because there was a forward by T. D. Jakes, I didn’t want more of the same. (Been there read that!) I chose to review it because I noticed no one else was- I often choose what no one else wants to read to review.

What makes WHOLENESS a good book is the concept is applicable in everyone’s life. We all reach a plateau in which we cannot seem to move forward but there does not seem to be a loically reason as to why. The issue, as the author explains, is not readily seen because it comes from within; it is not them it is you.

We all have life events that were unexplainable or unavoidable in which we can ignore. Often what we do is take the hurt or feelings of rejection and place it in a mental compartment deep within our souls. Like a missing piece of the puzzle that memory creates a void in our lives the author refers to it as brokenness.

WHOLENESS, is a easy to read book (I read it in a day) that systematically takes the reader from- how it happened to how to fix it. As easy as this book is to read for some people it might be hard to digest. This book, though autobiographical in nature, is about you the reader; don’t lie to yourself and think that it is not.

This is a healthy healing read.

Note: another reason I was reluctant to read this book is the authors’ face was on the cover, he looks to young to know about life. Change the cover and perhaps you would sell more books in a greater demographic- unless your target audience is Black males.    - -  written by Marsha L F Randolph

ADDENDUM: To my readers  my book MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH , published in 2011 and updated in 2016, addresses similar issues from a different perspective. Though the author says he is a church leader he does not use Scripture as the basis for his opinion I do.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

CHASING GRACE by Sonya Richards-Ross

What does an athlete know about grace? In the book CHASING GRACE -What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me About God and Life by Sonya Richards-Ross answers this question. The concepts are presented in four key words: Push, Pace, Position and Poise but it is all about determination.

In this book, CHASING GRACE the author shares with the reader the journey she took in achieving her goals. This path included such disappointments as discovering someone she admired was not such a shining star. How do you handle discovering someone you thought was perfect wasn’t really?

This book is a quick and easy read and contains real life details about the ups and downs of being an athlete from a Christian perspective. There is nothing really dramatic found within the pages but there is a very real story being told- success is not always pretty. The lessons the author learned as an athlete have been successfully transferred to life in general from a Christian perspective.

This is not your average motivational book which is refreshing in this day of motivational speakers. With practical tips presented in a digestible format this book is a good read and I recommend reading it.  — written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DON'T SETTLE FOR SAFE by Sarah Jakes Roberts

I was surprised to discover that I liked  “DON’T SETTLE FOR SAFE” by Sarah Jakes Roberts beginning with the introduction. Yes, I had prejudged her as someone using the ‘Jakes’ name to make a few dollars- if this is your opinion STOP!

DON’T SETTLE FOR SAFE is a book of encouragement to all people but in particular young women (dare I say  of color?) who have made a few wrong turns in their lives and have decided not to put their past dreams in a box.

Like many of us Mrs Roberts is a member of the been there done that club except she was the daughter of a very well known Pastor.. It could not have been easy being the daughter of the internationally known Bishop T. D. Jakes daughter and pregnant at 14. Imagine how the tongues wagged when she was married at 19 and divorced with two children at 23! The safe route for her would be to live under her father’s love and grace and keep quiet but she is speaking up and out. Now married to a Pastor the two have six children between them and her choices have become the basis of her words of encouragement.

 “Nothing has happened to you that God can’t use to restore you.”  (page 3)

In DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS Sarah Jakes Roberts keeps it real, keeps it positive so that the reader will walk away confident. Well worth the read. ---written by Marsha L F Randolph



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

TALK YOURSELF HAPPY by Kristi Watts

I have purchased books on the importance of the words we speak. I have listened to many messages on positive confessions. TALK YOURSELF HAPPY by Kristi Watts is a book on what it takes to align your words with your mind and your heart taking positive confession in a more doable direction.

In this 218 page easy to read book the author walks the reader through various reasons why a person may not have progressed in life as he thought he  should have. The emotional side effects of not achieving personal success can lead to sadness, discouragement or any other negative feeling. TALK YOURSELF HAPPY will point the reader in the direction of peace and contentment.

The difference with TALK YOURSELF HAPPY,  by Kristi Watts (former co-host of the 700 club), and other books I have read, is the process. This is not just a book of Bible verses and opinions but of empathy and support. Each chapter reveals a principle to help you understand how to get your faith to agree with your brain in order to develop hope and confidence. The action steps and list of Bible verses will help you achieve the main idea of this book which is to be happy regardless of what is happening in your life.

This is a book you read if you need to encourage yourself.    xxxMarsha L F Randolph

eBOOK available via SMASHWORDS

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH by Marsha L F Randolph

This ebook is available via SMASHWORDS in all formats. 

Sometimes a person can feel like he or she is the only one in the room who cannot seem to make things happen. I wrote MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH because I looked back on my life one day and realized I made it.
I don’t have a Masters, Bachelors or even Associates degree like many people I have a PhD in life. I survived because when I was down I looked up. There were days when I did not want to go on so I prayed. There were movements when the words “I quit” were on the tip of my tongue but I just said “Praise God” instead.
MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH is what I did and what I do. This book examines four ideas regarding personal growth and development: Perspective, Faith, Forgive and Purpose. As a Bible Teacher I don’t believe any lesson is etched in stone but should be adapted, within the boundaries of Scripture, to personal goals.
This is a revised edition originally published under the pseudonym M L Floyd. As I revised  MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH I was encouraged, we are always going through something. Read this ebook to help determine if you are indeed on the right path.

A note about this review: Yes, I reviewed my own book, I have chosen not to pay for reviewers who pretend to be a non-payed or unbiased reader. Most people who like books will recommend them to friends but not post a review. I write from experience and study and I share what I know with my pen.  FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST THIS BOOK IS FREE.

AGAINST ALL ODDS by Sheila Hodges

In order to appreciate AGAINST ALL ODDS by Sheila Hodges one must have gone through so much pain that you do not have time for technical or sophisticated words. Thus this book is not for everyone- only those who are in the midst of pain.

I know the author personally, I was truly hesitant about reviewing this book because I did not want to give my friend a bad review- if it is bad I will say so. I believe everything has a time and it was time for me to read and review AGAINST ALL ODDS. I had witnessed her passion in writing and promoting this book, I know the love of God’s children that motivated her to take the time to write and so I sat down one day when the house was quiet with a cup of coffee and McDonald’s hotcakes and sausage breakfast and began to read.

Written in a narrative form from a Christian perspective AGAINST ALL ODDS it is only 41 pages. A professional would say she jumps from subject to subject. A person who was not ready to deal with his or her pain would declare the book does not make sense but the book is good. Sheila Hodges, who has a Masters Degree and a host of other business and theological credentials writes as she speaks; there is no room for misinterpretation.

Woven within the narrative of this pseudo-biography are life nuggets and seeds of faith implanted by the word of God. The main character “Wanda” did not have an easy life but she had hope which is the on going thing of this novella.

AGAINST ALL ODDS is a story of one woman who overcame abuse and is living a God centered life. The context in which the book is presented makes it ideal for a person who is going through or gone through a very difficult time. It is clearly not a book for everyone, but if you have a friend who is hurting it is worth the read. Xxx Marsha L F Randolph


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

PEDAL by Louis K Lowy

It is rare that I get to review fiction that actually interest me, which is probably why I don’t review fiction to often. I agreed to review PEDAL when I met the author before I knew what the book was about, this never happens! After I received PEDAL by Louis K Lowy with nothing to do I decided to glance at the first few pages- LOL! I was hooked.
The plot is very simple, main character meets adversity, which should make the story easy to follow except the book is not really about adversity it is about achieving victory. PEDAL by Louis K Lowy is about finding a way to get passed unplanned unexpected difficulties by coming out of your comfort zone.
If I had read the description of this book found on Amazon I would have passed on the book. It has a lot of catchy words like” single, romance, and female; but the book is not a romance novel and it the main character could have been a man with a brother who experienced a bad relationship. Being a forty-nine year old teacher who has been fired is significant but not an unrecoverable life event. However, what makes things difficult for the main character Joanne and most people today is other people, a concept many readers are dealing with in their own lives. It is the family dynamics within the novel that will bond the reader with the writings.  How do you deal with your problems when other people have opinions of who you are and what you should be doing?
I recommend PEDAL, a good motivational read on how to overcome difficulties by facing your past and pushing yourself into the future. As you take the journey from trouble to triumph with the main character you will be encouraged. Success comes when you pedal forward even when you don’t feel like it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

IN SPITE OF THE ODDS by Richie Contartesi

As I began reading IN SPITE OF THE ODDS by Richie Contartesi I realized this book was not something I would normally read for review. Why? Because it is about High School and College football and I am not a fan of either HOWEVER…
The background for IN SPITE OF THE ODDS is sports, a little baseball is mentioned in the beginning, the essence of the book by Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur Richie Contartesi is endurance despite how you may feel.
In a nutshell the book is about how Mr. Contartesi was able to obtain a position on a college football team despite the opinions of those in authority; but that is the obvious plot. A parent reading this book will quickly discover the importance of teaching children the importance of keeping commitments. A person going through difficult times can identify with the rejection the author experienced.

Did I mention that he was playing football 5 7 155 pounds?

Success is not about luck, it requires hardwork, persevarance and determination. I personally believe, and this book confirms it, rejection is part of the journey. The hidden theme of this book is continuing education no matter what your goal is.

IN SPITE OF THE ODDS is highly motivational. I would definitely recommend this book to young men and women who have dreams of success.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat

Before I even tell you about this book I have to thank Pastor Mathias Grehn of VISION CHURCH -Miami Florida for this great gift of wisdom. I must also say: This is one of the most fabulous book covers I have seen since “The Truth About Vastai.” {Yes, this is a cheap plug for my book!}
It does not take a lot of words when the ones chosen are succinct which is what you will find in THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat. This book takes the reader from precept to precept for those whose goal it is to live according to God’s purpose using Biblical principles. One hundred ten pages is really all it took and yet by the time the reader is finished it is as if he or she has read more.
THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat presents the biblical definition of and principles associated with success applicable for anyone no matter what the life path is. There are so many nuggets of wisdom found through out this book that I could not choose one; however, I have underlined an entire paragraph and put an asterisk by the section entitled: “[transforming abilities into expertise]” this section concludes with “Excellence has its price and people of excellence are highly paid in these and other fields.”
This book was published in 2004 and a second edition in 2010 a quick search revealed that it is only available on Amazon in eBook format.  If you are in business or ministry this book is definitely worth looking for in print if possible but at least the ebook is available. I recommend and encourage you purchase this book  

LET US TEACH by Caroline Alexander Lewis

As a grandmother who is very interested in today’s education system I found LET US TEACH by Caroline Alexander lewis very interesting. Written specifically for teachers it is a book that supports excellence in education.
“Just Back Off And LET US TEACH,” the complete title, presents information to the reader as to the variables that influence educating our children. By pointing out how home-life overlaps with what happens in the classroom a parent or grandparent reading this book should better appreciate what a teacher is up against when she or she has to teach the same thing to a room full of young people.
What is most intriguing about this book is the concept of S.C.O.P.E.  an evaluation tool that could work in any profession. S.C.O.P.E. - Sensitivity, Communication, Organization, Professionalism and Enthusiasm,  traits we all need, is presented so that educators can evaluate themselves in order to ensure they are doing all they can to promote education.
Mrs. Lewis suggest that in using S.C.O.P.E. good teachers can be come great teachers. Unfortunately, she also points out the two variables that is beyond the control of both parents and teachers- testing and unions. “Alas, student scores are sometimes weighted heavily as part of the “value-added” teacher evaluation protocols in several states. Critics suggest such measures many not be very reliable, especially for the middle of the pack teachers.” (page 15)   Most of us understand that Unions put a great deal of energy into preserving the jobs of even the worst of teachers. LET US TEACH spends less time pointing out the problems and more time sharing a solution S.C.O.P.E.

The book is a very easy read and only 114 pages which is why I recommend this book to everyone and in particular teachers.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WESTWIND BOOK MARKETING. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

TAKE THE RISK by Ben Carson MD and Gregg Lewis

Dr. Ben Carson is a very articulate man who speaks gently using very powerful words. In this book TAKE THE RISK he helps us overcome I hesitancy to move forward. By sharing his stories of risk taking and the philosophy associated with going against the grain Dr. Carson presents a different perspective about risk before teaching the readers a few pointers on evaluating a risk.

Some risk are not worth it where as others are necessary. In “TAKE THE RISK Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk” by Ben Carson MD and Gregg Lewis the readers is provided with a format that can aid in determining if an action is viable.

One of the advantages of reading a book authored by Dr. Carson is his credibility. His been there done that this is what I did presentation is validated by his success despite the circumstances surrounding his childhood.

TAKE THE RISK is very inspirational and well worth anyone reading. It is 236 pages, as with all of his books it reads well with each of the 17 chapters building upon each other.

I recommend the reader purchase their own copy of this book. Originally published in 2008 I am sure the reader will be able to find a copy in print.  

DOWNSIDE UP Transform Rejection Into Your Golden Opportunity by Tracey Mitchell

    Just because a book is written by a woman does not mean that it is just for women. “Downside Up: Transform Rejection into Your Golden Opportunity ” by Tracey Mitchell is categorized as: Religion/ Christian Life/Women’s Issues, though technically true for purposes of who should read it I would classify it as Self-Help/ Motivational.

    Maybe the chapter “Divas, Deceivers, and Drama Queens”  is not something men can directly relate to, unless of course they are married, have a daughter, have a sister or two or have female friends but this same chapter presents 7 questions everyone should ask themselves regarding the people they are around.  “Let’s be honest: we have made some rather hasty if not outright bad decisions when it comes to selecting friends or business associates.” (page 54)  Ms. Mitchell writes.  Is this something that only women have difficulty with?

    “Downside Up: Transform Rejection into Your Golden Opportunity ” well help you get out of the slump you are in if you are a sales person, or if you have just ended a long term relationship. Reading this book will help you evaluate various relationships as well as behaviors so that “it” will not happen again.

    The book is divided into chapters, 11 total. At the end of each chapter there are chapter principles, Words of Wisdom (a Bible Quote), a Power Quote and a plan of action.

    I recommend this book. It would be difficult to check this one out of the library because you will want to keep it.  xxx Marsha L. Randolph

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

17 CENTS AND A DREAM

     Technically, “17 CENTS AND A DREAM” by Daniel Milstein, is the biography of a child who migrates with his family from USSR to America and grows up to be successful. It is not the technicalities of the book that makes it worth reading it is discovering how a man’s character can push him beyond his known limits enduring the burdens of change on his way to fulfilling his purpose.

    The road to success is filled with all types of barriers some man-made and some self created “17 Cents And A Dream” addresses many of these hindrances in a very personal way. It is difficult to move forward when it appears as though the world is against you. The wisdom found throughout the book will give the reader new insight as to how to overcome unrelenting difficulties.

    More than a biography the book is motivational. It begins with Chernobyl an event I was aware of but like many had forgotten.  This firsthand knowledge of the event is a much needed reminder of history and is one of the first obstacles in Daniel Milstein’s journey to success. “17 Cents And A Dream” is ot only thought provoking but exciting from beginning to end.

I recommend reading this book as well as purchasing a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an unbiased review.

READERS: Download the Kindle version of the book for 99 cents February 4 thru 8^th