The Strange Ways of Providence in My Life by Krystyna Carmi

Genre: Adult, Memoir

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Once I started this book I couldn’t stop reading it.  At times it was difficult to read.  The fact that someone as young as Krystyna was when she went through all of these terrible events survived is a testament to her faith.  Raised a Jew she was interested in her Catholic friends religion. She kept her knowledge secret. This and her mom’s statement that “God protects  orphans”, helped carry her through this hardship.  For those who want to read  a clean cut memoir that takes them from point A to point B smoothly, you need to know that this doesn’t happen in this book.  I believe that is why I enjoyed it.  It reads like someone who is telling a story and remembers it in bits a pieces. The author has done an excellent job of putting things in chronological order. However, It is obvious that there are gaps in her memory. This makes it seem even more authentic. We remember things  and then what we remember triggers another memory. However, we don’t want to interrupt our story so we throw that thought in and tell our audience we will discuss it in more detail later.   So many people who have survived the Holocaust came out bitter.  No life was not easy and was not fair to the author. However, she took the lessons learned and used them in a positive way to shape her life.

We teach about the Holocaust in our eighth and ninth grade English Language Arts Classes.  This is definitely a book I will put on my shelves at school. It is another voice added to so many. Yet this is told in a manner my students will definitely be able to understand.  I highly recommend this book.

Author Bio

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Ears For Murder by Sue Owens Wright

Genre: Adult, Mystery

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The setting in this story is phenomenal. The way the main character describes the forest before a large part was cut down gives the feeling that you are out in nature.  I love the main character Beanie, a Native American woman. She lives in the woods with her dog, a basset hound named Crusher.  She is not happy that the woods around her is being destroyed. However, there is a bigger problem. While baby-sitting her daughter’s dog Calamity she takes the dogs for a walk in the woods. She makes a horrific discovery. One of the men cutting down the tree’s found chained to a tree and he has an arrow in his neck. She doesn’t want the local Native Americans being blamed for this.

The sheriff likes to crack jokes that tend to be a little racial.

The book is well written and the plot line flows so smoothly.  I guessed throughout the entire thing as to who the murderer truly was.  This is a well written mystery.  This is the fifth book in her series and  I ha e decided I must definitely read the other books in the series. This is a book I highly recommend.

Author Bio

Sue Owens Wright is an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction. She is an eleven-time finalist for the Maxwell, awarded annually by the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) to the best writer on the subject of dogs. She has twice won the Maxwell Award and earned special recognition from the Humane Society of the United States for her writing. She writes the acclaimed Beanie and Cruiser Mystery Series, including Howling Bloody Murder, Sirius About Murder, Embarking On Murder and Braced For Murder, which is recommended on the American Kennel Club’s list of Best Dog Books.

Her nonfiction books include What’s Your Dog’s IQ?, 150 Activities for Bored Dogs, and People’s Guide to Pets. She has been published in numerous magazines, including Dog Fancy, Mystery Scene, AKC GAZETTE, Fido Friendly, The Bark, and Animal Fair. Her work also appears in several anthologies, including PEN Oakland’s “Fightin’ Words,” along with Norman Mailer and other literary notables. Her newest novels are The Secret of Bramble Hill and Ears for Murder.

Website URL: www.sueowenswright.com

Blog URL: http://dogearedbooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/sue.o.wright

Ears for Murder buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Ears-Murder-Beanie-Cruiser-Mystery-ebook/dp/B075FMVHMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1507068917&sr=8-1&keywords=ears+for+murder

The Secret of Bramble Hill buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Bramble-Hill-Owens-Wright/dp/1626945861/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485128293&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=the+secret+of+bramble+hill+weight

High Child by J.T. Bishop

Genre: Adult, Thriller, Science Fiction

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Gifted with unique abilities, Royce Fletcher struggles to find his place in the world. Living a solitary life in the woods, he finds his quiet existence disrupted by unexpected visitors. Visitors he would prefer to avoid.

Despite his attempts to protect himself, Royce finds himself caught up in an unexpected romance, a local murder investigation, and a destiny he has little interest in pursuing.

The more he tries to pull away, the more drawn in he becomes, until he must face the demons that refuse to go away. Demons that risk more than just his life, but all that he holds dear.

High Child is the fifth book in J. T. Bishop’s award winning Red-Line saga. Following the events in Curse Breaker, High Child is a fast-paced, page-turning, suspense story that will keep readers guessing until the end. If you like a fun read with compelling characters and unexpected twists, then pick up High Child today!

My Thoughts

This was a new author for me. This is also the fifth book in the series. I was able to follow along just fine. I loved the setting in this book.  This author does and awesome job keeping the tension going throughout the story. I was drawn in from the very beginning.  Royce is a man who has several abilities. Gus is his friend and knows about those “gifts”. The book starts out with a murder. It then switches to two people trying to blend in to a culture they are not familiar with.  Add to this mix the sheriff’s son who had been dropped into Royce’s lap while his father searches for the person who murdered the young girl.  I love a good mystery. This is a great one. It held my attention all the way through. It left me frustrate at times. Just about the time had the secrets figured out I learned through a twist that I had not really figured anything out. That is the sign of a good author.  Really can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

Author Bio

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Born and raised in Dallas, TX, J. T. Bishop began writing in 2012. Inspired by a video that theorized the meaning of the end of the Mayan calendar, J. T. began the Red-Line trilogy. The video surmised that the earth was the central hub of activity for extraterrestrials thousands of years ago. J.T. didn’t know whether that was true or not, but it did spawn an idea. What if those extraterrestrials were still here? Two years and a lot of work later, the first three Red-Line books were complete, but she’s not done. The Red-Line saga develops as she continues to write new books.

Website URL: https://jtbishopauthor.com/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/jtbishopauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jtbishopauthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judybishop99?trk=hp-identity-name

Buy link for High Child

https://www.amazon.com/High-Child-J-T-Bishop-ebook/dp/B073NYDS2S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504896979&sr=8-1&keywords=high+child+t+bishop

Buy link for Curse Breaker

https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Breaker-Red-Line-Book-4-ebook/dp/B01LX290GS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498784518&sr=8-1&keywords=curse+breaker+bishop

Monsterland by Michael Okon

Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Welcome to Monsterland, the scariest place on earth.

When world markets are decimated by a crippling plague, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, Vincent Konrad decides to place monsters in a theme park setting to promote education and tolerance. Copper Valley is chosen as the primary site for the park in the United States. 

Wyatt Baldwin, a high school senior is dying to go to the opening and when he lands special passes to the park, he and his friends are expecting the experience of a lifetime. 
After all, in a theme park where real zombies, werewolves, and vampires are the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

My Thoughts:

Wyatt Baldwin and his friends are excited about the new theme park opening up in their town. Monsterland will be opening seven theme parks around the world on the same date. They have taken the werewolves, zombies and vampires living hidden in the world and put them in these theme parks under the guise of keeping the viruses from spreading and hoping to find a cure. Wyatt and his friends are given VIP tickets.  Wyatt’s step dad is a cop and he and Wyatt don’t agree on the opening of Monsterland.  From the minute they entered Monsterland, both Wyatt and his step-dad feel something is off.  This was a book that picked up speed and took you on the ride of your life. I could not put it down and had to read until I was finished. This is a book my students have been lining up to read. Well written from beginning to end.

Dawn of Dreams (Destiny Book 1) by Bronwyn Leroux

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Jaden and Kayla’s lives couldn’t be more different. It’s 2073 and the two strangers are living worlds apart. Then something strange and terrifying brings them together. No one can see the hideous, malevolent creature but them. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the two discover that the beast stalking them isn’t the only thing they have in common. Venturing further down the path they have been forced onto, they join forces with strange and unusual comrades, suffer attacks from enemies beyond their imagination and begin unraveling the complex mystery of their mission. 

But discovering the answers to their questions comes with a price. Their lives will be forever changed. In a world on the verge of destruction, can this unlikely couple find a way to save it, all while trying to make sense of this inexplicable connection they feel for each other?

My Thoughts:

From the minute you begin this book you know something is not right in this world. The author has taken something as benign as a hike into the mountains and set the ball rolling into something that becomes terrifying for one of the  hiking team.  Jaden keeps seeing a creature and feeling its evil while no one else on the team can. They think he is losing it.

The second chapter introduces us to Kayla, a very likeable person from the very start. She reminded me of kids I’ve known who have had to move every couple of years because their parent(s) are in the military. You have just enough time to make friends and then poof they are gone. Kayla was lucky in that she found a friend by doing what she loved the most, running. However, like Jaden she too has seen the creature and felt its evil.

The first two chapters set everything up for an adventure I dove into head first. I liked both Jaden and Kayla. The connection they felt between each other seemed intense. However, they kept pulling away from each other and that annoyed me. The fact that there are secrets being kept and the story unfolds a little at a time is what kept me reading. Each of them discovered a medallion that had been in their family and passed down through the generations.Then there is the strange librarian, a mysterious book, a strange owl like creature who tells them they are the hope for the world Add the strange reactions of their mothers and you know the suspense can only get better. The book was so intriguing I had to know if the sequel was out. I am happy to say the second installment, "Dogs of Doom" came out in July. Yes, I did purchase it and will be reading and reviewing it soon. I also purchased a copy for my classroom shelves. This is exactly the type of book my kids will love. I am looking forward to continuing this awesome and at times terrifying journey with Jaden and Kayla.

 Author Bio From Amazon

From the gold mines of Africa to the glorious Bay views from Golden Gate Bridge to the spectacular Rockies, Bronwyn is an explorere at heart who loves to solve mysteries and avidly listens to audiobooks while playing in her sandpit (aka gardening). When she's not juggling the many balls she has in the air, she's following her passion and writing books for young adults.

You can find her::

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Website    

Think Smart Not Hard: 52 Principles to Success and Happiness by Roy Huff

Genre: Self-help, Inspirational

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Heads up! This is probably one of the longest posts I've written in a long time.

This isn’t a book you can read through like a novel. I will even say that some parts may be difficult for you to read.  I grew up when I was younger thinking  that most everyone around me was much more talented than I was. That is unless you talked about teaching. I wanted to be a teacher from fourth grade on.  I was positive I would be a teacher, even when my family and friends told me all the reasons I didn’t want to be a teacher. The way we see and react to life shapes us.  The principles in this book were not new to me. I grew up from my teens on reading self-help and positive thinking books.  However, I never applied all the things I learned.  In Roy’s book, the first principle he mentions is forgiving those who don’t deserve it.   After reading that section I realized that I and my husband were both letting a situation hold us back. Instead of forgiving those involved we felt didn’t deserve it, we actually used it as an excuse.  That was the hardest principle to work on.

For years I let the fear of failure hold me back.  Then I learned about Thomas Edison and how many times he failed in his attempts to make a working lightbulb. His attitude was he wasn’t a failure, he just learned that many ways that it wouldn’t work.  As a teacher I am familiar with creating action plans. Since I am a National Board Certified Teacher and I teach at an IB school reflection has been a part of my life. We teach our students to reflect on their work daily, weekly, etc.  I and my fellow co-workers do the same. This is probably the most important part of my job.  However, I’ve also moved it into my personal life as well.   Principle # 13 was important to me for a multitude of reasons. Compartmentalizing teaches you to be fully present when attending a task. I have learned how to do that. But something Roy said rang so true in so many ways. He talked about how watching a TV program when someone keeps talking to you makes it harder for you to focus. I have an elderly mother who lives with me and this happens quite often when I am sitting in the same room with her trying to work or watch the news.  But it took reading this book for me to realize that I do this to my students. I give them a task, check for clarification, set them to work and the every once in a while I say something to them that pulls them right out of their work. This is something I am definitely working on correcting.

I laughed when I read that Principle #12 was “Make a Calendar”. My family and co-workers tease me about my calendars. Yes, I have one for my job, and one for my life. I even keep both together on an online calendar. But, at the beginning of my summer break I discovered something on my online calendar that changed my life. It was a simple button called “Tasks”. I had always ignored it. It combined several things into one. It  allowed me to get rid of my plethora of lists that I kept with each calendar. Now I can schedule it on my online calendar and prioritize things by creating a “Tasks” list.  Those who tease me about having two physical calendars don’t understand that if I have no access to my online calendar, I at least have the safety net of my physical ones.  We each must find what works for us.  Roy’s book is a list of great principals. What makes his book stand out from so many others are the personal stories and lessons that go along with them.  Those will resonate with you in so many ways.

 Other principles that I found of value was # 15 “Learn to Say No” and # 49 “Identify your weaknesses. These two have  always been my problem, and then I would get overwhelmed. We got a new assistant principal last year.  It was a particularly rough year for me. As department chair I took on all the tasks of my entirely new department.  It actually backfired because I was not able to do everyone else’s job and mine and do them adequately.  My AP is the one who helped me learn to say No.  He literally would step in and tell people no on my behalf until I became strong enough to do it on my own. It was him who pointed out that this was the only weakness he saw in me.  I take everything he says and truly think about it. Then I work on those areas that I know to be weaknesses.

Another principle was to choose to be happy.  I have always tried to be happy.  One of the reasons I allowed myself to feel like I was less talented than others in my family was because of something that happened in my family when I was a young teen. Some in my family belittled me because of the way I chose to handle the situation. It was a very depressing and devastating situation and I chose to move beyond it and be happy. For others in my family it became all consuming and created anger and bitterness. I learned a long time ago to choose happy. That doesn’t mean I am never sad.

Finally #’50 and 51 meant a lot to me. Number 50 says to do something small, but do it daily. For me that is writing. I don’t care if it is a poem. I couple of lines in my work in progress. I continually add to it each and every day. The other important one was # 51 which was Don’t give up when you get off track. Life will pull you off track. The trick is to work to get back on.  This has probably been the most beneficial of all of his principles. People fail in life because they get off track and give up. I choose not to give up. I have a student who was involved in a terrible accident last year. He missed most of the school year. Then had to be homeschooled for the rest of the year. He was comparing himself to other students in the classroom. I reminded him that after his accident we didn’t know if he would survive. He had to learn to walk and talk all over again. He can’t process things the way he used to. However, he has learned to break things down into little pieces and continue to move forward. I reminded him of the tortoise and the hare. He smiled and said, “the tortoise won because he kept moving forward.”  We have a right to not only read and learn from these principles but we have an obligation through our words and actions to share these principles with those around us.

I highly recommend this book.  It is a book I will refer back to often because there is so much to be learned and reminded of with this book.

The Rise of the Phoenix by Suzanne Burke

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Synopsis:
A fantastic fantasy read for both children and adults! Logan peers into the wardrobe mirror and notices that the phoenix bird symbol on his collar is glowing fiery orange. That night, Logan is transported through his dream to a medieval land of enchanted forests, castles, and dragons. There, he meets a beautiful greyhound named Tess and learns of the 500-year-old mystery of the phoenix! Tess and Logan discover, through King Hywel’s book of secrets, that the phoenix is their only hope of saving the kingdom from certain doom. Can they find Logan’s old wizard friend, who can help decipher the code in the secret book, before a terrifying black mist engulfs the entire kingdom? *Contains illustrations, historical chapters, and educational projects at the end for children to expand their vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

My Thoughts:
Like the other two books in this series, there is so much to love. First, the main character is a greyhound.  I have a group of students who live for books where the main characters are animals. This is a fantasy, and there is so much history involved as well.  The book is a great adventure. There are dragons and wizards, and so much more than middle school kids love to read about. Most importantly this author's book always has something to teach, yet you aren't being preached at.  Middle school is a time when people are judged on so many things by their friends. It is a time of jealousy and bullying. These are issues that are tackled in this book.  In addition to such a great story, we have so much information about greyhounds. You can tell that this is really a passion for this author. I look forward to sharing not only this book with my students but also future books.

Jingle and the Magnificent Seven

Genre: Adult, Suspense

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Synopsis:

When Jingle Bell, Santa’s SEIC Santa-Elf-in-Charge) for Southeastern operations of the SBI (Santa Bureau of Investigation) is assigned to recover the naughty list from a rogue elf, he finds himself in need of human partners. He recruits Nep Thomas, a PI in Coral Lakes, Florida. But the problem grows as Jingle, aka Rocky, discovers that his adversary, Rime, is dealing with Abdul Abaddah, a Mid-East terrorist recruiter and financier. More support is needed. Soon, Rocky’s group grows to a magnificent seven, but they face a dirty dozen. Only when the dozen has been neutralized – without serious injury – can Rocky bring Rime to justice.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book.  It started out very humorously. Nep Thomas first meets the elf who sets him on the path to track down a rogue elf, on a south Florida beach.  I thought the banter between Nep and his on again off again girl Cassie was funny. He invites her over for crepes at Rocky the elf’s insistence. Where she didn’t believe the story in the beginning she is the one who first believes. One of the other things I liked was the conflict in the story. A rogue elf steals Santa’s Naughty-Nice List with the intent to sell it to a terrorist.  Not only does he steal the list, he sabotages the computer system so Santa has no backup list. The rag-tag team that is assembled to accomplish this mission was wonderful.  There was the suspense and the humor in just the right dose to keep the story moving forward.  I may need to check out other books by this author.

About the Author

Randy was born and reared in Williamston, North Carolina, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. From there, he says he inherited a sense of responsibility, a belief in fair play, and a love of country. As a career US Army officer, he had the opportunity to learn, travel, teach, and hone talents inherited from his parents. Following retirement, he worked in other ventures for the US Government. Every job has in some way been fun. Even the dark days of Vietnam had their light moments, and he cherishes the camaraderie that was an integral part of survival in that hostile world.

At an early age, Randy discovered the town library and the librarian. She was a wonderful lady, who loved to introduce children to books. She engendered in him a love of the written word. Then, one day many years later, he sat at his computer and began to type. About a year later, he had a tome as long and heavy as WAR AND PEACE (or so it seemed). Giving himself every benefit of the doubt, he will simply say, "It stunk." But the seed was planted, and he continued to compose and continued to learn. 

Today, he has short stories in several anthologies, and a growing list of novels to his credit. As a prolific reader, the reads across several genres and takes that into his writing. He has written mysteries, thrillers, an historical, and two fantasy/mystery/thrillers featuring a Santa Elf. The count is now at fourteen and growing. He is a regular contributor to Happy Homicides, a twice annual anthology of cozy short stories. He also has a series of short stories featuring a cattle-herding burro. Wherever his imagination will take him, he follows.

Randy writes because he enjoys it and smiles because life is fun. Learn more about Randy and his work at www.randyrawls.com.

Guest Post Tonya Barbee 10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

This is one of my stops during the two month tour for The Little Girl Inside: Owning My Role in My Own Pain by Tonya Barbee. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs October & November.  Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL

Book Title: The Little Girl Inside: Owning My Role in My Own Pain

ASIN: B00VJFVN5Q

ISBN-10: 0692564802

ISBN-13: 978-0692564806

Genre: Non-Fiction

Tonya Barbee

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer-

Take classes.

Improve on your trade. 

Read books from authors you would like to be more like, or learn from. 

Be clear and specific. 

Prepare an outline first before you get started. 

Do a mind map of your outline.

Plan your writing.

Research what you are writing about so your book will have correct information. 

Write the first draft without editing what you write. 

Write as you would want to read about what you write about. 

Be relaxed and in a good place when you’re writing.

About The Author

TONYA BARBEE is a novelist and aspiring playwright. Her most recent published work is titled, The Little Girl Inside Owning My Role in My Own Pain. She is currently working on another project that complements this book. Tonya grew up in Durham, NC, a family of four daughters and one son. Her father, Woodrow served his country for twenty years as an Army officer, retired then taught ROTC for another twenty years and her mother, Doris, a college administrator. She is a proud 1980 graduate of Frank W. Ballou High School in Washington, DC. She worked in operations and management for Department of Agriculture for twenty years. For the past ten years, she’s worked as a project manager for Department of Defense in Washington, DC. She studied at National-Louis University where she earned her Masters in Business Administration in 2009.

Although she’s worked her way up the ladder in the federal government, she had no idea she would end up writing professionally however she has always enjoyed sharing her personal life through story telling with those she thought she could help. Then something clicked. As she writes, she is in hopes that her work reaches her readers that have been through something and have contemplated giving up. Her goal is to enable her readers to become empowered to keep moving forward to accomplish their dreams no matter what challenges they have been faced with.

Tonya resides in Bowie, MD with two of her youngest children, Christian and Zachary. Her eldest two, Andrew and Jessica left the nest years ago and have blessed her with seven beautiful grandkids.

About The Book

The Little Girl Inside is a prolific story of triumph and discovery of inner peace. With each page, the reader will be captivated while the author uses the writing pen as a sowing tool-seaming a garment of praise, banner of victory and fabric of joy. With imaginative color, the book is a perfectly designed combination of patterns expressing the maturation of a woman.

A uniquely designed transparent jewel every woman should own in her jewelry box. The Little Girl Inside is a ministry resource tool for women in search for transparency in the human heart. The author shows us how to overcome the inner battle of doing the right thing the wrong way, going from finding love in the wrong places to allowing love to be revealed in the right time and in the right place.

 Excerpt

I made room for Sir Intellectual to bring what I thought were the remainder of hi things. I also made room on my health insurance policy just in case he didn't have any. Too bad it didn't occur to me to ask him. My ability to confront was non-existent. I decided not to wait until I returned to work to handle it. I contacted my carrier and updated my policy to include my new husband. The whole time I felt sad that he wasn't contacting his carrier to include me. I had a husband, though what caliber of husband, I wasn't sure. Sometimes I wanted to slap myself for being so needy that I overlooked important things and ignored flags, bells, and whistles.

Social Media Contacts

Website: http://www.iamstillarose.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstillarose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paes/I-am-Still-a-Rose/1429623497335690

Purchase Links

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/y768n67m

Amazon ebook: http://a.co/7V9fOx6

Amazon paperback: http://a.co/b9qsRcs

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Mommy Loves You by Dr. Dyoni Cole

                

Hello! This is one of my tour stops during my week book tour for Mommy Loves You by Dr. Dyoni Cole. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs October 30 – November 3, 2017.  Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL

Book Title: Mommy Loves You

Genre: Children's Book

Author: Dr. Dyoni Cole

Paperback: 26 pages

ISBN-10: 197619881X

ISBN-13: 978-1976198816

About The Author

Dr. Dyoni Cole is president of Dyoni, Inc., a consulting organization that specializes in leadership development in the areas of Education, Management, Organizational Leadership, and Dance Leadership.

Dr. Dyoni has a passion to see others exceed their own expectations and reach high levels of excellence. She believes in going beyond the call of duty to help others maximize their full potential and become who they have be predestined to be.

Dr. Dyoni earned her doctorate from Argosy University in Business Administration with a focus of management and organizational leadership. She earned her MBA from University of Phoenix and is currently earning a MS in Psychology.

Dr. Dyoni lives by these words" Always be a student of your craft, as each day is an opportunity to LEARN, to LOVE, and to DANCE."

About The Book

Mommy Loves You is a children's book about a mother's love for her child expressed through words of affirmation. Mommy Loves You is also an educational tool as well as a self-esteem and self-love booster.

For ages 1 - 5 years.

Connect Socially

Website: http://www.dyonicole.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dyoni11

Purchase Link

Amazon paperback link: http://a.co/8qGPtl3

Tour hosted by WLN Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com

What inspired you to write this book?

YOU ARE, BUT YOU SHALL BE!!! This phrase is something that I think about often. Each day we are becoming.  We, as individuals are all working to become who we are predestined to be. We're all different, unique, and rare; Beautiful and handsome in our right. We all have a God-given purpose; a purpose that was explicitly given to you and given to me. Only you can accomplish your purpose, and just I can achieve my purpose.  This fact brings me to the concept of self: SELF-LOVE!

It is essential first and foremost that we know who we are as individuals and that we love who we are as individuals. You and I were perfectly and wonderfully created.  Everything about you, everything about me is a perfect fit to fulfill our purposes. It is crucial that we know and understand this. In recognizing and following this, we will embrace our uniqueness and our differences. We will no longer look down upon ourselves or compare ourselves to others. We will genuinely celebrate the accomplishments of others and not be secretly jealous and envious of others.  We will confidently stand on this truth that what is for you is for you and what is for me is for me.  This brings me to SELF-ESTEEM and SELF-VALUE, which all aligns with the concept of self.

How we carry ourselves depicts how we see ourselves, which in turn teaches others how to treat and interact with us.  As an adult, I recognize that social media is very influential in subliminally conveying the essence of what beauty looks like, what success looks like, and how one should go about becoming beautiful and becoming successful. Social media is subliminal in teaching us how to despise where we are in life and who we are as individuals. Social media is subliminal in showing us how to become the status quo and how to blend in when we were never designed or created to blend in;   blending in makes us merely ordinary. With this in mind, I can only imagine the difficulties children face with understanding who they are and the difficulties of learning how to become comfortable in their own skin.  This is why Mommy loves you was written. It is vital that children are affirmed by those who love them. It is essential that children know they were correctly created; that everything about them from their little toes, their little legs, their little hands, their nose, and their eyes are loved by those that love them; that they need not change anything about them to be loved.