Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda {Book Review}

Recently I received a copy of the book Here, Home, Hope from the One2OneNetwork to review.  I was excited to get to get a chance to read this book

Kelly Mills Johnson, who just had a cancer scare, is 39, married to a very successful attorney and has 2 sons. She lives in an upper class community and, by all standards, has the perfect life. But Kelly feels restless; like something is missing…she is going through her own mid-life crisis.

Kelly's sons are gone at their yearly summer camp, and as usual, she is having a difficult time without them. She lives to the next time she can talk to them for their weekly call, and is gaining weight - something she does every summer when they are gone and. And since they will both be starting middle school this year, she is wondering what she will be doing to fill her days.

Kelly’s two best friends are both beautiful and successful, and she is somewhat envious of them “having it all”. Although, It is also the kick start Kelly needs to start making changes in her own life. She starts by making little post-it notes called “things to change” all over her house and car. Then things get interesting in Kelly’s life when a combination of things happen, including being asked to help a friends anorexic daughter. During all these events in her life, Kelly is growing and becoming empowered by her own blend of home and career.

I felt Here, Home, Hope was a pleasure to read. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this story – but as it turns out, it is a story of inspiration and empowerment. I also love how well the relationships of Kelly with others are portrayed especially with her husband, one of support and of just “getting” her.

I found the main character’s in this book so easy to relate to and very inspirational in their own right. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you enjoy books of inspiration and motivation.

Here are what some author's are saying about Here, Home, Hope:

"Endearingly honest, consistently upbeat, Here, Home, Hope is an inspiring read that left me feeling genuinely hopeful."
— Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Stormchasers, and one of Oprah’s Thirty Favorite Women Writers

"I found Kaira Rouda’s debut novel, Here, Home, Hope, inspiring, empowering and fun to read. You’ll want to share it with the women you care about in your life."
— Roma Downey, actress/producer

"I loved Kaira Rouda’s book. I love its irony and its courage and humor. . . . It’s the real thing." — Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of Still Summer and The Deep End of the Ocean

Lean more about the author, Kaira Rouda, by visiting her site. Also, see when Kaira will be in a city near you for a book signing!

You can check out a cute video about this book below: 

I received this book free from the publisher through One2One Network bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. - to read more click here.

My Book Review Was Published!

One of the sites I am doing book reviews for is LuxuryReading.com.  The first book I read for this site is called by Night Road Kristin Hannah - which is also the book of the month for SheKnows Book Club for April/May.  My review is now published on LuxuryReading!  It truly was an awesome book.  If you are looking for a good, quick read...this one is a must.  Check out me review for more information.

Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness by Ellen Sarver {Book Review}

Every woman goes through menopause in one way or the other - but yet it's a "hushed" topic.  The symptoms and the effects that it can have on each woman and their family can be so devastating.  "Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness" by Ellen Sarver Dolgen ,who goes by the pen name "E", brings this topic to the table in a format that is not only fun and easy-to-read but very informative.

At the age of 37, I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) - Early Menopause.  After just having had our first child the previous year, and about to try for another child - we were given this shocking news.  At the time, it was quite devastating.  I had been diagnosed with postpartum hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease), an autoimmune disease, which the doctor's feel is what ultimately caused the POF.

Given the circumstances, I can't honestly say I went through perimenopause and menopause the traditional route.  I have been very fortunate to have just had some mild symptoms of menopause.  But with my hormone's constantly in flux, that's not to say I can't and won't experience more of the profound effects of menopause.  I believe having read this book will make me more aware of what is going on in my body.

Shmirshky discusses some devastating real-life experiences women have gone through.  Also, it raises awareness of what are "normal" symptoms or what may be due to some other issue such as thyroid disease.  Finding a doctor who is well educated in perimenopause and menopause is highly recommended in order to get the right treatment for you, and not just a "cookie-cutter" type of treatment.

E's big motto throughout the book is "reaching out is in, suffering in silence is out."  I highly recommend this book to all women.  Not only will it give you insight as to what changes to expect, or are already experiencing with your body, but will help you to better understand what others may be going through.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem {Review}

The core principle behind Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right is that of being an intentional mom.  Intentional meaning being present in your children's lives, adapting to their personalities and behaviors, and self development. You don't have to be a perfect mom - but by being intentional you will need to figure out what works best for your family and your children.  There are seven principles that Catherine Hickem has discovered to be intentional which are expanded upon within the book - understanding your purpose, knowing and affirming your child, being a vision keeper, developing emotional intelligence, maintaining your position, addressing your fears, being God-dependent.

I honestly loved this book.  I have read many parenting books, and generally there seems to be a common theme amongst them.  Also, I have found it difficult sometimes to get through parenting books.  I felt this book not only provided very insightful information on how being an intentional mom can build better relationships with your children, but also how to be a better Christian with your children.

I, for one, have found parenting to be very anxiety producing at times...especially since the arrival of our twins.  I have struggled with finding inner peace but have found Catherine's reminders throughout the book that God is really the one who we should look to for wisdom, hope and inspiration, as well as, rely on to take the burden of our struggles has brought me some peace of mind.  I love that each chapter ends with Faith Points (Bible verse with questions and actions) and the end of the book includes a Parenting Plan for you to fill out.  I highly recommend adding this book to your "must reads" list for parenting books.  I will be re-reading this book with my highlighter in hand!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Shop At Overstock.com And Get 10% Off

I am so excited to have been contacted by overstock.com to write about their site and offer my readers a 10% discount.

In case you are not familiar with Overstock.com, they have a huge assortment of products - anything for indoors or outdoors, jewelry, shoes, luggage and so much more. On top of that - all shipping is ONLY $2.95, regardless of the size of the order!  Amazing, right?

Here are some of their items:

sofas

Home and Garden

Dinnerware

Bedding & Bath

Okay, those are just a few of my favorites for me and my family!  We did purchase some dinning room chairs from Overstock.com several years ago and had a great overall experience. The chairs are microfiber and the material has not only held up beautifully from wear and tear, but also from things getting spilled on it.

So here is the information about the discount and the discount code:

The discount code is:?121745?, good for 10% off Overstock products (excluding movies, books, and electronics).  This discount code never expires, however, it can only be used once per email address.
202234 - free shipping promo code for electronics.

Disclosure:  All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

Book Review - If I Could Keep You Little...

I am so pleased that I was chosen by Blog PR Wire to review the children's book If I Could Keep You Little... by Marianne Richmond.  I have always said to my oldest child that she is growing up way too fast and I just want her to stop for a while.  I ask if I old on to the top of her head if it will prevent her from getting any bigger.  Of course her response is always, "Mom, I have to get bigger - it's part of growing up."  Such a mature response...

If I Could Keep You Little... is a beautifully written story about a parent wanting to keep his/her child little.  Each page that has a reason to keep them little has a corresponding page saying what they would miss out on if they didn't get bigger.  For instance, on the one page it says "If I could keep you little, I'd kiss your cuts and scrapes."  Then on the facing page it says "But then I'd miss you learning from your own mistakes."

I really love that this book puts into words what so many parents go through emotionally...watching their children grow up way too fast.  But I also enjoy that it illustrates what they would miss out on.  Something I don't always consider when I'm seeing my children do another "big girl" or "big boy" thing.

I read this book with my oldest daughter who really enjoyed the story and hearing why I say I want her to stay little.  The illustrations are very nicely done and are great at capturing all the milestones.  This is a great book for toddlers and young children.

About The Author - Marianne Richmond

While recovering from brain surgery, Marianne Richmond created hand-painted cards as individual thank you notes for her well-wishers, and from that small beginning started her own greeting card company, Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc.. Since then she has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestones in life, memorable journeys, and relationships. Beginning with her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, writer and artist Marianne has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books. Marianne lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband, four kids, and their beloved Border Collie, Clay. Find out more at her website www.mariannerichmond.com.

Book Review - Adopted Ed

I am pleased to have been chosen by the One2One Network to review Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern.  Although none of our children are adopted, our twins were conceived using donor eggs...so at some point an explanation will be necessary.  This book review is in celebration of November's National Adoption Month

Adopted Ed is a simple, and beautifully written children's book with many powerful messages on social pressure and acceptance.

It is based on a little boy named Eddie who is just like every other little boy until some bullies started teasing him about being adopted.  Eddie then talks to his mom about what is being said and she in turn offers words of wisdom and very simple advise which then allows him to deal with the situation and give him the self-confidence he needs.
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