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.

DESTINY'S FLOWER

   First impressions when reading a novel are important; forget about the title, forget about the book cover it is the first five pages that determine if a person will read a novel in a day or take a month just to get through chapter one.  I don’t know why I agreed to read “Destiny's Flower ” by Linda Harley; I wanted to take a break from reading non-fiction and this seemed like a good opportunity.  I did not expect to really like the book even after reading its’ synopsis; my first thought: “Just another love story.”

   I would not be exaggerating when I tell you that I was intrigued by the first paragraph of “Destiny's Flower ” by Linda Harley which occurred in the prologue.  Chapter one sealed the deal for me and I took a break on page 54 to prepare dinner for my husband then resumed reading.  This is a good book.

It is hard to tell you what this book is about without giving away part of the interesting twist and turns within the story. I can tell you that if you like stories of action, adventure and a little sci-fi thrown in the mix you are going to be ecstatic over this book!  Halfway through I realized that this is just the beginning and it behooves the reader to purchase this book: Saldidra Book 1 "Destiny's Flower ” before Book 2 comes out.

I definitely recommend this book. I would suggest that you get this book from the library HOWEVER because this is the first in a series serious readers will want to purchase this one to make sure he or she has the entire collection.  xxx Marsha L Randolph

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

THE MAJESTIC NAMES OF GOD

    There are so many book on  God, religion and Christianity that it becomes stressful trying to find something that is easy to read, easy to understand and will help one grow as a believer. As a reader, a follower of Jesus and a book reviewer I am very picky when it comes to reading books on faith. As a reviewer I have become very skeptic when a “Christian” request I look at his or her writing.

    “The Majestic Names of God ” by Lisa Kay Hailey Blair in my opinion is an excellent book for new believers as well as those who just want to understand who God is.  The book is only 46 pages which means there is less commentary and more content.

    If you are looking for a book that will actually share with who God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit you will discover “The Majestic Names of God is what you are looking for.

     I appreciate the short prayers intertwined within the book as well as the words of worship and adoration.

I recommend you purchase “The Majestic Names of God ’ by Lisa Kay Hailey Blair.

I received a complimentary ebook copy of the book in exchange for the review. 

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I MOVED TO HOLLYWOOD

 

     The book “What I Wish I Knew Before I Moved to Hollywood ” by T. R. Locke is written about one person’s experience within the entertainment industry.  If you check out the reviews you will discover those who are pursuing an acting career recommend this book. Though a writer I have no desire to go to Hollywood.

    The bulk of my income comes from my work in the financial industry; however, I have had my share of business ventures gone badly. The reason for my failure I did not look at “The Backside of Mount Hollywood” (this is the title of the introduction).   “What I Wish I Knew Before I Moved to Hollywood ” is a lesson to us all. Isn’t it ironic that most of us have heard the saying “all that glitters ain’t gold” yet we are quick to go all in for the chance at fast money. 

     “What I Wish I Knew Before I Moved to Hollywood ” is a warning to everyone to understand the risk involved in pursing your dreams.  If you want to be a doctor go for it but know there will be days in which you don’t sleep and personalities you will encounter that you do not like. As a writer I quickly learned that I had to keep my day job if I wanted to eat.

   How can I not like a book that quotes one of my favorite motivational speakers (Les Brown).   “What I Wish I Knew Before I Moved to Hollywood ” is a book well worth the reading and I recommend you  buy one.  It would make a great graduation gift.  Marsha L. Randolph

I receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. 

SIGNS, WONDERS AND A BAPTIST PREACHER

    What a person reads gives insight as to their true outlook on life; we have a tendency to read books that we agree with ideologically.   Reading books that challenge us is like letting go of  a favorite shirt particularly when the book represents change.  “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher ” by Chad Norris is one of those books you purchase out of curiosity and then realize after you have read it that the shirt (ideology) does not fit anymore.

    In “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher ” Chad Norris shares with the reader his transformation  towards a better understanding what it means to have a personal relationship with God by learning  who God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit are.

   The sub-title is the best synopsis of what this book is about: “How Jesus Flipped My World Upside Down”.

   The reader will learn how a personal relationship with God is important for deliverance, healing and any of the other blessings promised within the Word. Upon completion of “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher” the  reader will have a better appreciation of the Bible, the gifts of the Spirit and why one needs a relationship with God.

I recommend this book.

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

THE BARISTA

What is redemption? It is the rescue of the soul. What is a Barista? A person who specializes in the preparation of coffee, in particular “espresso.”  “The Barista ” by Elijah G. Clark is the story of one persons rescue from a life of skepticism to one of understanding  aided by the Barista.

“The Barista ” is written in my favorite genre:  Biblically inspired  Christian Fiction and presented in a way that makes the story believable.    The main character, George, is introduced to the reader as he shares with his wife his opinion of the church as it stands today. You will either agree or disagree with George I pray that you are not so religious that you cannot appreciate the words written.

 “The Barista” is a story which inspires contemplation and is told as such thus the pace of the book is steady but not bang- bang action.  The character development is appropriate and the book is not to long or to short; it is just right.

Everything is relative thus the book title and the chapter titles are purposeful. If you are not a coffee drinker you may not appreciate the steps involved in making the perfect cup of coffee however I believe it is ingenious to utilize the process in such a way.  The Preparation, The Ingredients, The Cup are just a few of the chapter titles which have a corresponding thought. For example: 

“The fact that I don’t deserve forgiveness is the true beauty of God’s grace”

What powerful words found in “The Barista ” by Elijah G. Clark, Chapter Twelve “ADD THE CREAM”. 

This is a book written for Christians however I would challenge anyone to read this book and not glean some truths from it.  Of course as a believer we know the Truth. I recommend this book and would encourage you purchase it.

SUNDAY GRIEF M.D. by Renee Sunday MD

    I did it again! I received a book for review, glanced at the first few pages, and started reading it ahead of schedule! The book: “Sunday Grief, M.D. ”  written by Renee’ Sunday M.D.  is an 82 page biographical discussion about grieving with faith.

 Each chapter is a meditation of different aspects of the authors’ experiences during the process of bereavement.  Though a unique experience  in terms of her:   personality, faith, family dynamics and knowledge of medicine;  the information she shares  is beneficial in that it addresses the physical and emotional processes we encounter after the death of a loved one.

      I read “Sunday Grief, M.D. ” as a person who experienced the death of a son and a mother within 30 days of each other.  Unlike Dr. Renee’ Sunday I had a few months to get use to the idea of their no longer being here on this earth with me. Like Dr. Sunday, it was my faith that has allowed me to cope with the loss.

    One thing is very clear as I read this book it is evident, from page one, that Dr. Sunday is a woman of faith with a personal and trusting relationship with Father God. Her faith began long before her brother died and it was her faith that has strengthened her in her weakest moment.

I recommend this book.  Though this is an excellent book for anyone who has experienced grief timing is everything, please do not go out and purchase this book for someone who has recently experienced a loss. I would suggest you READ THIS BEFORE you experience the loss of a loved one. PURCHASE THIS BOOK for a friend but read it yourself first, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to when to share Dr. Sunday’s testimony.  This book was not scheduled to be read until July- oops!  Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of which I have done.