You Are the Mother Your Children Need by Christie Gardiner {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

You Are the Mother Your Children Need by Christie Gardiner

Kindle Edition, 272 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications

The woman you want to be . . . the one who has within her every talent, gift, and ability to be what her children need? She’s already there. She is you. Motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever take on: there is no interview, no job description, and no salary. When you get the position, it can be all too easy to feel underqualified and overwhelmed. But with a sweet message of encouragement, Christie Gardiner reminds women there are as many ways to be a good mother as there are mothers in this world—and there’s no one more capable of raising your children than you! In this uplifting book, mothers are encouraged to let go of the quest for perfectionism and recognize the divinity within. Discover how to own your strengths and weaknesses, and allow your true self to shine! With practical advice on learning to accept failure, holding on to your identity, and harnessing the divine help available to mothers, women will gain the confidence to embrace their uniquely perfect qualifications for the job of motherhood.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This book is geared toward mothers of the LDS (Mormon) faith. I really loved it because I often feel like a failure because I don't do this, I'm not like that, and my kids act like the other. This author uses encouraging and upbeat words to let mothers know everywhere that there is no perfect role--we are each exactly who we are specifically for the children we are raising. We should all embrace our strengths and talents, as small as they may seem, and use them to recognize how important our roles are in our kids' lives.

This book covers many aspects of motherhood, from failures to successes to helping others. My eyes were opened because I have to admit: there are occasional times when I wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?!" I was given my children because we can all learn and grow from each other and we are exactly what each other needs. These are great words to re-read for those rough patches and I plan on doing exactly that.

*I received a complimentary copy through the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts in any way.*

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Buy Links:

   

About the Author:

Christie has enjoyed participating in speaking engagements across the country where she loves reminding groups of women that with God, they are not alone and are enough. Christie's heartfelt and quick-witted writing was first enjoyed in blog form on behalf of the Utah Jazz and Illume Gallery of Fine Art. Her performing career has spanned three decades in theater, television, film, commercials, podcasting and voiceover work. She is a longtime faculty member at the Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts where she inspires young people to increase their self-esteem through participation in the arts. She enjoys serving in her church's youth program. In her spare time you will find Christie with her husband and children, in nature or in the yoga studio teaching a class. She makes her home in Utah and occasionally, the Oregon coast.

You Are the Mother Your Children Need, is Christie's debut. Look for her next book, on shelves October 2017.

Giveaway:

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Tour Schedule: 

*March 20th: 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*March 21st: 

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*March 22nd: 

http://rockinbookreviews.com/, 

http://thethingsilovemost.com/

*March 23rd: 

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, 

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, 

http://empowermoms.net/, 

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*March 24th: 

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, 

http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/, 

http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/ 

Dating Never Works...Until it Does by Zack Oates {Blog Tour Review}

Tour Schedule

Dating Never Works...Until it Does by Zack Oates

Paperback, 176 pages

Published December 1st 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc

Tired of mixed messages, confusing signals, and of playing the dating game? Dating expert Zack Oates has experienced it all in this comical guide that will keep you happy and laughing. Perfect for audiences in dating situations of all kinds, these encouraging steps will help you find your celestial mate.

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My Review: 5 Stars

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! What better way to get into the day of love than reading about lessons on dating and love?

I haven't dated anyone besides my husband for a long, long time and yet this book almost made me wish for those dating years again so that I could try some of these things. Luckily for me, I'm pretty happy, so I'll just have to apply the few tips for married couples.

This author has a way with words! Combine that with his contagious enthusiasm and it makes for a fun, highly entertaining, and educational read. I found myself flying through the pages because of all the crazy experiences, humor, and laughs. I can't believe the kinds of things he went through in the dating world before finding his wife.

There are things that I completely agree with and things I've never thought of, and this would be a great guide for those navigating the dating waters. In fact, I have two teenagers who could probably benefit from reading this. And as an afterthought, it sounds like I need to invest in a hot tub. :)

*I received a copy through the publisher, which didn't affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.*

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Buy Links:

    

About the Author:

Zack Oates is an entrepreneur, hot tubber, and blogger. He has started six businesses, which have been featured in Wired Magazine, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He has an MBA from BYU with an emphasis in innovation and a bachelor’s in advertising and marketing. He was voted one of the top 100 entrepreneurs by VSpring Capital and received first place at the largest university business plan competition in the world (over 800 teams participated). After living in Ukraine for two years serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he started a nonprofit in 2008 called Courage to Hope, which works with victims of domestic violence in Ukraine. In addition to being a finalist and then “Love Guru” on the Mormon Bachelor and Bachelorette, he has an inspiration and dating blog called Bowl of Oates..

Love Me True by Jason B. Whiting {Blog Tour Review}

Tour Schedule

Love Me True: Overcoming the Surprising Ways We Deceive in Relationships

by Jason B. Whiting, PH.D, LMFT

How can love, which is so beautiful and fun, cause such emotional ups and downs? Dr. Jason B. Whiting, a licensed marriage and family therapist, focuses on common relationships to show that deception is at the root of most marital problems. Overcome this and gain back that trust and excitement you’ve been longing for in your relationship.

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My Review: 5 Stars

From the very first chapter, guilt sunk in, deep into my bones. I've always considered myself an honest person, but I learned quickly that there's more to being dishonest than just lying and it took me several chapters to get over the fact that I'm not as good as I thought I was.

I've been married for 20 years now and this book has really helped me realize some fundamental ways to make my marriage even better than it is. I love how each chapter has a bullet point recap of the main points, as well as things to work on in the discussion questions section.

Using personal experience, real life situations, as well as numerous studies, this book is (dare I say it?) better than therapy because it's written in "normal people language." There's something for everyone. In some cases, things really weren't relevant to me or to my marriage, but in other cases, there are so many great things to help bring things to a higher level of understanding, communicating, and loving.

I'm choosing to get over myself (and my guilt) and start working on making my relationship better by choosing one thing to work on for now. This is great for anyone in a relationship.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which didn't affect my thoughts in any way.*

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Buy Links:

    

About the Author:

Dr. Jason B. Whiting is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a professor of marriage and family therapy at Texas Tech University. Whiting has dedicated hundreds of hours to teaching students about relationships and counseling couples in his own clinical practice. Whiting has presented his research nationally, including at the National Council on Family Relations, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and Smart Marriages. He has published in academic journals such as Family Relations and the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy. Last year he won the award for “article of the year” in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. A co-authored article on cheating and deception on Facebook garnered interest in the national press, including Psychology Today and Cosmopolitan.

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory B. Jensen {Review}

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory Jensen

Paperback, 161 pages

Publication: January 10th 2017

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, that in no way affected my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: LDS non-fiction            

Receiving your endowment is a sacred experience. Sometimes in the excitement and focus of major life events like missions and marriage, the temple experience becomes secondary. However, your temple endowment can and should be a deeply meaningful experience.

Using entertaining stories and insightful teachings from the scriptures, this book helps teens and young adults replace their fears and questions about the temple with the faith and confidence necessary to make and keep eternal covenants and to experience all the blessings of temple worship.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This is a book that I wish I would've had years ago. I love how each chapter is broken down in a way that makes the topics relatable, as well as easy to visual and understand. My mind was opened to a few new concepts that I hadn't considered before, and I have the desire to learn more for myself through personal experience.

Each chapter takes a topic at a time. There's a "homework" section at the end of each chapter that gives the reader some additional, personal ideas for study and contemplation to make this experience right for each person. I like that because I think this is something personal and by allowing for that reflection, it truly becomes such.

I believe that different things stand out to me at different times in my life, depending on my circumstances at the time, and there were some really profound ideas that jumped out at me. I really am eager to study this out some more and to see what happens.

This is a great resource for someone who is preparing to go to the temple for the first time, as well as for those who have already been. Like I said, even I learned a few things.

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Buy Links:

   

About the Author:

Cory B. Jensen was born and raised in Utah, growing up in the shadow of the Logan temple. He developed a love for the temple early in life and has been an avid student ever since. He graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a Masters of Business Administration. A lifelong devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission in Rome, Italy and is looking forward to the completion of the LDS temple there.

He and his wife, Traci, are the parents of four children. Together they currently serve as ordinance workers in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. That service has greatly blessed their lives and their marriage, though Cory still hasn’t gotten used to getting up at 4 a.m. for their shift.

He hopes that the message of this book will bless your life, enrich your personal temple experience, and help you in your journey to understanding your endowment.

Faith and a Life Jacket by Ben Bernards {Blog Tour Review}

Tour Schedule

 Faith and a Life Jacket by Ben Bernards

128 pages

Published: September 13, 2016, Cedar Fort, Inc.

Don’t just be prepared–be prepared well. Ben Bernards, popular youth speaker, presents this adventurous book of seven guiding rules and lessons to help train a new generation of missionaries. These invaluable lessons, from God’s measure of success to unexpected difficulties in the field, will apply to any missionary’s call, readying them for the great and challenging experiences of the Lord’s work..

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My Review: 5 Stars

This is a great book for any future missionary to use for preparation. I didn't have the chance to serve a mission, so I couldn't fully related to the different experiences that this author had, but I believe that everyone's experience would be different anyway.

The book is broken down into seven realistic truths from, "It's Going to Be Harder than You Think, but It's Possible with God's Help" to "Timing Is Everything, and It's in God's Hands." I thought there were a lot of gems of wisdom hidden in each chapter--things that really stuck out to me and ideas of ways that I can be a better missionary to those around me here at home.

I found this author's experiences to be entertaining, but heartwarming at the same time. The blessings are evident and I really believe that we can find blessings in every day things, if we just look. I like that he said it's not a race and goal's aren't everything (for example, the goal to baptize 50 people by the time you come home). It's encouraging, yet it doesn't glamorize things--just keeps it real. This is an overall uplifting book that I would recommend to any future missionary.

*I received a copy from the publisher. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own opinions.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

 

Ben Bernards grew up in a big Mormon family in a small farming town in the heart of Utah County where he and his 8 brothers and sisters were raised on a steady diet of Nintendo, Transformers, Dungeons&Dragons, and Star Wars. He geeks out on all that plus everything marching band, Marvel, and Tolkien (his autographed edition of Lord of the Rings is pretty much the coolest.)

He loves teaching youth the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whether it be in Seminary, Sunday School, at youth conferences or EFY. He served a mission on the Fiji Islands where he survived cyclones, rampaging natives, and swarms of giant bats while living in a hut in the jungle. (He still hasn’t convinced his wife to go back and visit.) He is the author of a new book about missionary prep for the millennial generation, which will be available in LDS bookstores this fall.

He currently works as a project manager for a certain fruity computer company in Northern California where he loves to run trails with his wife, expand his board game collection, and make plans for building his own hobbit hole in the backyard.

The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson {Blog Tour Review}

The Beautiful  Balance by Michelle Wilson

152 pages

Published August 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications

Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.

Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest.

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My Review: 5 Stars 

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this book right now because I'm so busy and so stressed. Life is tough, with so many unknowns, and I'm wallowing around, wondering how in the world I'll muddle through and gain control over everything in my life. And then I picked this book up and my outlook and attitude changed drastically.

This book is written in a way that really touched my soul. Scriptural references, humorous antidotes, fantastic quotes, and pep talks fill these pages and I feel so much better about life now. I think this author was writing directly for me.

One of my favorite quotes from the book comes when Michelle Wilson is enduring a trial and feels the words come from the Lord , "No, you do not have control over your surroundings, but there is no need to fear. I have given you control over the one thing that matters--yourself." This is for me. The book goes on to talk about the beautiful balance that comes with control--control yourself and trust the rest to God. The book then breaks down four areas of personal control--priorities, actions, attitude, and beliefs. 

I love the way each chapter is broken down in a way that is easy to internalize. There are so many thoughts found in this book that almost force me to savor and ponder. I really loved it and will be re-reading parts of it frequently. If you're wondering how to find balance in your life, this is a must-read.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review* 

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Buy Links

 

 

About the Author

 

Michelle Wilson writes magical realism and inspirational nonfiction. She is the author of "Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?" and "The Beautiful Balance: Claiming Personal Control and Giving the Rest to God," along with other fiction and nonfiction works on the way.

She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of the Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Michelle loves faith, family, food, and smiling. She is an expert at Guitar Hero, has a bad habit of laughing at the wrong times, and hates writing about herself in third person because it's just weird.

GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

*Aug. 22nd: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

*Aug. 23rd: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults 

*Aug. 24th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/

*Aug. 25th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*Aug. 26th: http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin {Review}

I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin

Kindle Edition, 100 pages

Published June 21st 2015 by BalboaPress 

 

 

The sun's rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I'll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak!

I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn't gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It's about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It's not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way.

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don't you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don't be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!

I'mpossible! - Jeff Griffin

 

 

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I wasn't expecting the story that I got, based on this book description. A true story, Jeff Griffin had a horrific accident that changed his life forever. The first miracle is surviving the accident. I can't even begin to imagine the pain, the horror, the devastation, and the fear that followed, yet instead of wallowing in self pity, Jeff picked himself up and found new dreams to dream. I was completely amazed at how positive and hopeful he was and still is. 

 

Each chapter is set up in a way to cause the reader to make goals, as each of us has our own mountains to climb and challenges to endure. Full of hope, words of wisdom, and personal stories, these chapters are broken down in ways that make it seem attainable to reach the goals, instead of overwhelming. 

 

I can't believe the positive vibes that flow off the pages. I'm so much more grateful for what I do have and not wishing for what I don't. This is a great motivational book for anyone looking for inspiration.

 

Content: some difficult situations and scenes, but nothing too graphic. The author is LDS, so there are religious references.

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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  Buy Links:

 

 

 

Jeff is offering the first chapter of his book free on his website. (Visit http://griffinmotivation.com/) 

Motherhood Matters/Life is Too Short Collection by Connie E. Sokol {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol

Motherhood is a divine calling but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful little volume full of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it's a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I often beat myself up because I'm not the "perfect" mother. I love the little tidbits, quotes, and thoughts found in this book to help me realize that there's no such thing as what I'm trying to be! The key points that I took away from reading this are that I just need to love my kids, find joy in the journey, do my best, and make time for me, so that I can give that extra effort to my family when it's really needed. This is such a refreshing and uplifting book and told in a way that makes me feel that I am doing enough. 

There's also a little section on how to handle life, not if, but when, your children rebel/stray/become difficult. I loved that because I'm not alone--even scriptural parents dealt with similar parenting problems. I'm feeling good about my efforts and think this book is a great read for any mother.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Link:

The Life is Too Short Collection by Connie Sokol

Are you looking for a fabulous life boost today?

The Life is Too Short series is just what you need. Written by Connie Sokol—mother of seven, author, speaker, and amazing matching sock finder—these humorous self-development columns give you just the right amount of fun and functional.

Originally written for a major newspaper and magazines, you can now enjoy the entire collection in one book.

Put your feet up and laugh as you relate to time-tested tips on being a woman, wife, and mother. You'll learn the cozy stuff of how to adjust expectations, have faith in your dreams, and lighten up in motherhood. And, you'll learn a few life skills such as easy spring cleaning, simplifying the holidays, and creating successful goals.
It's the perfect gift for any woman!

Short, funny, insightful, these quick power columns are ideal anytime, anywhere, to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

Life is Too Short Trilogy combines three individual books, updated and revised:

Life is Too Short for One Hair Color
Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes
Life is Too Short for Linoleum

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My Review: 5 Stars

Connie Sokol has an amazing gift! She is able to give hope, entertain, give helpful tips, and say it like it is, in a very tender way. Sometimes these types of books all seem to say basically the same thing, making me feel guilty for not measuring up, or overwhelmed by all I have to change, but I was amazed to actually learn a few new things and to feel good about it! Maybe they were just told in a way that rang a bell with me, but whatever it is, I have a new perspective on life and have realized a few changes that I need to make that are actually doable.

Life is too short and we only get one shot at it, so it's in our best interests to make every day and every moment count. I didn't realize, as I was reading this, that it is actually three books combined into one. I read it all in one sitting, but I would love to go back and read different sections, taking the time to really ponder and savor what is being said. I couldn't help but laugh and I love that Ms. Sokol puts it out there--she's just as human as the rest of us are and isn't afraid to admit that. Wouldn't it be amazing if we were all able to laugh at our stress and shortcomings and move on? This is the perfect read for any woman out there!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

About the Author:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor "Studio 5 with Brooke Walker" and a national blogger for www.ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning (www.fromthelivingroom.com). Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com. 

Giveaway:

 

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Follow the Tour:
  

April 18: Lisa is a Bookworm

April 19: Laural Walker

April 20: Peggy Urry / Rachelle Christensen

April 21: Min Reads and Reviews

April 22: Cathy Jeppsen / Sydney Anderson