Monday, February 11, 2013

Important Update

Hello, Book Bug readers!  This is Leisel, Lexie's big sister.  I just wanted to let you all know that there may be a (hopefully) short lull in posts.  Lexie was in a car accident one week ago.  She was traveling with her kids to visit family.  Her small sedan was hit by a semi.  The kids were in their cars seats in the back and were both safe.  Lexie, however, had her left leg smashed up pretty good.  She has had two surgeries in order to repair her leg and is going in for another today.  Thankfully there was not anything worse wrong with her, it is however going to be along hard recovery.  Hopefully she will be back soon with lots of fun book reviews. . .
Posted by at 8:31 AM 27 comments

Friday, February 1, 2013

Make It Happen Tour: Wrap Up & Giveaway Winners!


Thanks so much to all the fabulous bloggers who posted for the Make It Happen tour! You guys are the best! It was such a fun tour and a great book.

Giveaway Winners
 
Congratulations to winners of the Make It Happen giveaway:
 
Shauna W.
Ashley R.
Belinda G.
Cassie J.
 
Enjoy your prizes!!

About the Book


Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: LDS Self-Help
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?

If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.

Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.
Purchase the Book
Posted by at 8:37 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Make It Happen Tour: Book Review & Giveaway

 
About the Book

Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: LDS Self-Help
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?

If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.

Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.
Review

Make It Happen is an inspirational self-help book designed to help LDS singles find happiness in a marriage-oriented culture. Kylee incorporates quotes, doctrines, action questions, and real life experiences to illustrate the principles and ideas she is trying to convey. Even though I am not single myself, I have a lot of wonderful friends and family members who are and who are struggling to find happiness as an LDS single. However, the great thing about this book is that it is not just meant for singles; it can be applied to any person, in any stage of life.

There were so many topics covered in Make It Happen; everything from being in a healthy relationship all the way to how to make better use of your scripture study time. They are simple concepts that most of us have already heard. However, they are also explained and illustrated in a way that makes them seem "doable".

These are some of my favorite concepts outlined in the book:

  • Make it happen
Of course, as per the title, the entire book revolves around the principle that whatever we want in this life we can obtain by simply "making it happen". (Not to say that this is easy.) However, by making the decision to try we can take charge of our life and make positive changes. 
The Make It Happen concept is nothing new. It simply is what it implies. It’s making things happen in your life, not hoping things will happen or waiting for others to make things happen in your life. It’s figuring out what you want and going after it. (p. 46)
  • Life is meant to be happy
Sometimes we forget that even though this life is supposed to be a trial, we are also supposed to find joy in the journey. Kylee encourages readers to find what makes them happy and to go for it.
In order to be happy in your present circumstances, you must believe. Believe you are meant to be happy in this life and the life to come. Believe God has a perfect plan for you. Believe you matter to those who know you. Believe you have a specific purpose and that you can live up to your potential. Believe you are loved— and act accordingly. Believe, and if for some reason you cannot, then borrow my belief in you for a few moments. (p. 173)
  • Be okay with who you are
Even though this book encourages positive change, it also inspires readers to be happy with who they are. I love how Kylee uses a story to illustrate this principle about how her sister loved herself even after her body changed through pregnancy (I can totally relate!) 
I like how she knew she could be ashamed or hide her post-pregnancy belly but instead she loved herself. That belly represented her labor of love. I wish we could all be a little kinder to ourselves. Sure, most of us could afford to lose a little weight, spend more time at the gym, eat less (or at least eat healthier), but in the end no matter how we look, we should love who we are. (p. 170)
And I could go on and on. While I was reading the book, I copied down passages that I really liked and by the end I had over 3 pages of quotes!

One of the best parts of this book is that the author not only tells you that you can change but she also tell you how to go about doing it using her own real life experiences. She doesn't claim to have all the answers (who does? :) but shares her own stories in the hopes it will be of benefit to someone else.

Make It Happen is an eclectic blend of encouraging and inspriational concepts, told in a friendly, conversational way and highlighted with relatable stories

Giveaway

As part of the tour, Kylee is offering 4 amazing giveaways!! These include a $25 gift card to Amazon, a $25 gift card to Target, and a hard copy and ebook copy of the book.
 
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).
  • Open from January 8 to January 31.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:


About the Author

“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.

I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.

I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!

When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.

I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.

I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Purchase the Book
Posted by at 10:45 PM 0 comments

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Broken Path by Cami Checketts: Book Spotlight & Excerpt

About the Book

Title: The Broken Path
Author: Cami Checketts
Release Date: December 2012
Publisher: Birch River Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Injured in a debilitating accident at age six, Ethan Searle believes women eye him with a mixture of pity and disdain. He’s tried love before. He won’t again. He meets his match in a precocious two-year old who loves him despite his disability, even while her mother seems bothered by everything about Ethan.

Autumn Reader escaped her abusive marriage with her beautiful daughter and a stack of fear. She can’t make the mistake of trusting a man again. Autumn’s daughter becomes enraptured by Ethan. Despite Autumn’s best intentions, she finds herself following her daughter’s example. When her ex-husband reappears, threatening everyone she loves if she won’t submit to his demands, Autumn has to learn to trust or lose her chance at real love.

“Characters to fall in love with, action to keep you turning pages, and the most adorable little girl ever, The Broken Path is a compelling tale of strength and trust, courage and heart. I truly enjoyed this book.”
– Maria Hoagland, Author of Family Size
"The Broken Path is sweet romance with heart, suspense, and plenty of story twists that kept me turning pages. Add in a romantic hero with a cane, a struggling single mom, and an adorable little girl and this book has it all!"  
--Heather Justesen, Author of The Switch
 
Excerpt from
The Broken Path

The door swung open. Her heart’s palpitations ceased. Ethan’s attire was simple, Levis and a white V-necked shirt. He’d never looked better.

“Autumn,” his deep voice warmed her more than the summer sun. “You look beautiful.”

She tugged at the hem of her shorts, glad her long legs were tan from playing outside with Brittan.

“You...you...”Autumn stuttered, trying to find the right words to express how he looked.“...look beautiful, too,” she said. She barely caught her hand from smacking her head. What kind of an idiot tells a man he looks beautiful?

He chuckled.

Heat crept up her face. “I mean, thank you, um, you look nice, too.”

He opened the door wider, a grin splitting his face. “Thanks. Why don’t you come through this way to the garage?”

“Sure.”

They made their way through the large great room toward the garage entry, his braces rhythmically slapping the wood floor.

“I thought we’d drive to Pocatello,” Ethan said. “Is that all right with you?”

“It’s great.” Anything’s all right, as long as you keep smiling like that.

“I told Nancy I’d come pick you up,” Ethan said, “but she insisted you’d come here.”

“It wasn’t a problem to come here.” Autumn looked up at his profile. It wasn’t a problem at all. She’d go anywhere just to look at him.

“Your mom acted really odd about the whole thing.”

“Odd is a nice way of putting it.” Autumn shook her head, grinning. “She was outright rude to me.”

Ethan laughed again. “I thought she’d be happy you asked me out.”

“Happy? I asked you?” Autumn stopped and stared at him. “What are you talking about? You asked me out.”

“What?” He stopped as well, making a quarter turn with his braces to face her. “Nancy called me and said you were too busy with work so you couldn’t call. She said you wanted to take me to dinner for watching Brit.”

Autumn’s jaw dropped. “Why, that conniving, little...”

Ethan elevated one eyebrow. “I guess you didn’t ask me out?”

“No. I sure didn’t. I can’t believe my mother would...” Autumn’s voice faltered. Ethan’s shoulders drooped; his eyes filled with pain. “Not that I wouldn’t have asked you out, and I do owe you for watching Brit, it’s just I didn’t think you would want—”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Ethan interrupted her, his voice soft.

“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Let me walk you to the door.”

About the Author


CAMI CHECKETTS is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She's never been happier.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

A portion of the proceeds from Cami's books will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to www.cachecfsc.org

Purchase the Book
Posted by at 3:18 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Treasure of Isian: Book Review

About the Book

Title: The Treasure of Isian
Author: Serena Clarke
Release Date: September 2012
Publisher: Red Mountain Shadows Publishing
Genre: Romance / Fantasy
Received ebook from the author for review.
Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do  anything for him, even die for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.

Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

Sample Chapter
Review

I would probably classify The Treasure of Isian as a fairy-tale novel. Even though it has elements of fantasy it isn't bogged down by over-descriptive details as books in this genre usually are. It is written in simple, straightforward language which helps to keep the plot moving and makes for a quick, fast-paced read.

Elani was a very impressive character. Her devotion and loyalty to Prince Garin were unparalleled even when it was not reciprocated and her faith allowed her to believe in their relationship despite Garin's ambivalence. These traits not only helped her romantically but also assisted her in making an important journey of self-discovery.

I also really enjoyed the evolution of Prince Garin's character. Most "heroes" are perfect in everything they do (which is definitely not realistic! :) But in The Treasure of Isian, Prince Garin starts out as self-centered, shallow, and spoiled. I loved watching how Elani's devoted love helped him recognize his faults and become someone who was worthy of her affection in the end.

One other element of this book that I liked was how there were many different connotations to the title. The theme of "treasure" was applied to a number of things over the course of the story but the underlying message was always that we should recognize and not overlook the most valuable "treasures" in life.

The Treasure of Isian is full of mystery, adventure, and romance. It is an enchanting fairy tale that will appeal to readers of all ages.

                          About the Author

Serena Clarke has loved writing since she was young and has taken several writing classes. She loves fantasy with a hint of romance and wishes to contribute to the genre.

Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She is passionate about learning, reading, art, and design. She enjoys designing her book covers as much as writing her books.

Blog | Goodreads
Purchase the Book
Posted by at 11:23 PM 1 comments

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Make It Happen Tour: Author Interview & Giveaway

 
About the Author
Kylee Shields


“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.

I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.

I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!

When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.

I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.

I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter 
Interview

Book Bug: Welcome to The Book Bug, Kylee! So glad to have you here today!

When and why did you begin writing?

Kylee: I started to write when I got my first journal at the age of 9 and I never stopped. I started blogging when I moved to Boston and joined AmeriCorps in 2006. Conversations and blogs were the fodder for my book. Writing is a way for me to get out my thoughts and passions. I have a real need to express myself through the written word.

Book Bug: What book(s)/author(s) have influenced your life and writing?

Kylee: These are some of my favorite books and their authors. I also love reading the classics such as Poe, Dickens, Thorough, Emerson, and the powerhouse writers like J.K. Rawlings & J.R.R. Tolkien. "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom, "Making Loss Matter" by Rabbi David Wolpe,"Letters to a Young Poet" by Rainer Marie Rilke, "To Draw Closer to God" by Henry B. Eyring, " A Grief Observed" by C. S. Lewis, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok, "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury, “On Writing” by Stephen King.

Book Bug: What is your favorite genre to read/write?

Kylee: I love to read YA fiction, historical fiction, and dystopian. I prefer to write fiction over non-fiction and that is the irony of my non-fiction book being published first.

Book Bug: Those are my favorites too!

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

Kylee: I have a very eclectic writing process. The following 3 pictures share a little bit about my writing story. (first picture) I sort of storyboarded my chapters on my wall for about a year. I moved them around and folded up the corners when that chapter was complete. This really motivated me. (second picture) I have many wicked awesome single friends that I sent many of my chapters to and asked for them to edit and give suggestions. That was very helpful. I did a bunch of focus groups at LDS singles FHE’s and activities. (third picture) I bound my manuscript and that made it easier to read and them I chose which chapters to delete completely when I needed to cut 12,000 words. No regular routine for me.


Book Bug: Wow that is quite the process!

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Kylee: All the time-haha. I tend to write when it strikes my fancy. I take lots of breaks, listen to great music, and always play my piano for inspiration.

Book Bug: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Kylee: The hardest part was deciding what to include and what to cut. When I sent it to my publishers I had already cut many chapters. I had to cut 12,000 more words and I chose to cut 5 more chapters. So, then I took the best of those chapters and put then in my existing chapters. All that cutting, switching, deciding took a long time and a lot of work.

Book Bug: What do you think are the most important elements of good writing?

Kylee: Stephen King, in his book, “On Writing” talks about the idea of “writing off the page.” I think great writers like Rawlings & Tolkien write off the page brilliantly. To create entire lives for your characters, entire worlds, languages, and at the same time write accessibly to a broad audience. He also shares that the best writers will write what they know. I really took that to hear for my non fiction book.

Book Bug: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Kylee: I co-founded a non-profit singing/service group called INSPIRE:music.service.hope. I am the music director of the group and I LOVE it! I work as a adolescent therapist in a wilderness therapy program called ANASAZI and I am so grateful to have a job I love! I also love doing things with my roommates, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Book Bug: You sound like quite a busy woman!

What book are you reading now?

Kylee: I am currently reading 2 books. I am reading a draft of my friend Ashley’s manuscript and I’m reading C. Michelle Jefferies book, “Emergence.”

Book Bug: Emergence is on my TBR list too.

What are your current/future projects?

Kylee: I am working on a few YA fiction projects

Book Bug: Ooo, sounds exciting! Can't wait to read them.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Kylee: Keep writing and seeking your dream. There is so much to do and be a part of in the writing world. It used to be a writer’s dream to be published by some big name company but now there are so many options. You can self publish, be a blogger, write for a magazine, online books, poetry and so much more. MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Book Bug: Clever! :)

Thanks for the awesome interview and good luck with your book!

Giveaway
 
As part of the tour, Kylee is offering 4 amazing giveaways!! These include a $25 gift card to Amazon, a $25 gift card to Target, and a hard copy and ebook copy of the book.

To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).
  • Open from January 8 to January 31.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:




About the Book

Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: LDS Self-Help
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?

If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.

Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.
Purchase the Book
Posted by at 12:00 AM 2 comments

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Best of Sarah M. Eden: An Unlikely Match Book Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: An Unlikely Match
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Genre: Romantic Paranormal Historical Fiction
Received from the publisher for review.
The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?
Review

I just have to say it . . . Sarah M. Eden is probably my most favorite Covenant authors! With her quick-witted, sassy, and flirtatious characters set in the romantic Austen-esque time period, she could write about pretty much anything and I would still love it. And An Unlikely Match definitely lives up to the high standards Sarah has set.

I love that this story combined so many genres: romance, paranormal elements, and historical fiction. It had a sweet (and quite interesting) love story as well as a rich background of Welsh history. Though I already knew what to expect from Sarah's romantic historical fiction, it was fun to see her branching out into the paranormal genre as well.

And the ghost, Gwen, just happened to be my favorite character! It was probably quite a challenge to create a 400 year old character who isn't even human. But of course Sarah is so talented that Gwen turned out to be quite realistic no matter what you believe about ghosts and the afterlife. I especially liked that Gwen was still so strong-willed and feisty even after all the things that she had been through.

An Unlikely Match is everything I have come to expect from Sarah Eden - well written, well researched, romantic, fun, and highly entertaining!

Giveaway

Somehow I ended up with 2 copies of An Unlikely Match so I thought I would share the wealth and let one of you lucky readers get a chance to check out this fantastic book!

To enter to win this book, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided.
  • Open from January 18 to February 8.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter 
  • US only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:
  • Leaving a comment on my review 
  • Following The Book Bug
  • Liking Sarah on Facebook
  • Following Sarah on Twitter
  • Tweeting about the giveaway 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author


SARAH M. EDEN is the author of multiple historical romances, which her mother thinks are fabulous and her 10-year-old son thinks are too kissy. A few of these fabulously kissy novels are 2008 Whitney Award finalist Seeking Persephone, 2010 Whitney Award finalist Courting Miss Lancaster and The Kiss of a Stranger, released in 2011. When not researching, writing or talking to the voices in her head, Sarah spends her days avoiding housework, admiring the growing mountain of laundry and pretending she knows what to make for dinner.

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Purchase the Book
Posted by at 4:53 PM 3 comments

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Create a Powerful Life Plan Blog Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway!

I'm happy to be a part of the Create A Powerful Life Plan! blog tour. Though I have yet to read the book, it does look fabulous and the perfect start to a new year (and a good way to keep all those New Year's resolutions!)

Check out the great excerpt from the book and make sure you enter into the fantastic giveaway as well!

About the Book

Title: Create A Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life
Author: Connie E. Sokol
Release Date: January 2013
Publisher: Sokol Publishing
Genre: Self-Help
Ready to jumpstart your life, but not sure how?

Years ago I was fat, unfulfilled, and unfocused. Then I got serious about making changes, writing an achievable life vision and goals. Starting with weight, I lost twenty-five pounds and gained great energy. This motivated me to organize my home and time, rediscover the joy in parenting, and speak professionally part-time to share with others what I had learned.

That was my ideal life change, what’s yours?

Create a Powerful Life Plan: 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life! will help you achieve life changes in three stress-free steps. You’ll learn how to create a clear vision of your ideal life. Then, how to set and achieve simple, enjoyable goals to make that vision a reality. And finally, what to do when you become stuck, fearful, or frustrated.

You’ll also read the real-life experiences of five women who put their Life Plan into action. And receive online support through podcasts, video segments, blog posts and more at www.conniesokol.com.

Now is the best time to become the person you want to be, and live the life you yearn to live. No gimmicks, no hoopla, just solid, time-tested principles and practices that will help you achieve your dreams and goals, and enjoy the process.

So, are you ready to create your powerful Life Plan?
Excerpt from
Create A Powerful Life Plan

What began my what-do-I-want journey was having four children in six years. At that point, my energy and most likely my brain cells were completely spent. At the start of the seventh year some energy returned—an inexplicable burst, in fact, during which I announced, “I LIVE!”—but it was more like the energy of a marathoner taking her last step before she’s declared legally dead. Nevertheless, I was determined. My husband and I rang in the New Year waving our banner (okay, my banner), “The Year of Change.” This had nothing to do with menopause and everything to do with finally setting goals and getting my life in balance. Pumped, juiced, smoothied, I made my plan, tacked it on the wall, and said with great gusto, “Big Mama is back!”

And then I forgot. Or maybe I should say that I slowly faded back into what I call “The Haze,” where first you think about accomplishing your goals, then avoid thinking about your goals, and finally end with “What goals? I am woman, I am acceptable,” and scarfing a king-size Kit Kat. Bottom line: I had zero life. Meanwhile between snacks I had hired a babysitter for a few hours each week to take the children while I went upstairs and did something somewhat enjoyable, although unproductive those rare times I could even remember what enjoyable was.

My epiphany came when on such a day I went upstairs, closed the door, and threw on the bed a remote control, a grocery list, a few books, and a goal list. I stared at them—totally devoid of emotion, and suddenly I wanted a Kit-Kat. Then uncharacteristically I turned on a daytime TV channel (since during kid “business hours” viewing was pretty much limited to Blue’s Clues). A popular daytime talk show happened to be on, and women of all ages and experiences were sharing how they had been searching for answers about life and its challenges, where they fit in the universe, and much more...

I ripped out a piece of paper and wrote in gashing letters across the top, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Not stopping to think about proper answers, I wrote furiously, straight from the gut: “Write a book, speak to women, sing, feel healthy” and more. Then, after only a slight pause, I turned over the paper and just as feverishly wrote, “What is stopping me?”

I watched my pencil confirm what my gut had been trying to tell me, but what I hadn’t wanted to know: “Spending too much time on husband’s business, lazy about my dreams, not making this a priority in my life,” and on and on. Sitting back for a breath, I looked at my work. There squeezed onto only two pages of paper was probably the equivalent of three years of therapy. I felt clean, purged, and ready for action.
 
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About the Author


Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a sought after local and national presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL's "Motherhood Matters." She is a former columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine, and TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as the creator of talk CDs, podcasts and the "8-week Challenge." Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

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