A Lover of Books

الأحد، 2 يوليو 2017

I'M POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD. WHAT NOW? by Dr. Patricia M

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

This review is from: I'm Potty Training My Child: Proven Methods That Work (What Now?) (Paperback)

I'M POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD. WHAT NOW, is a parenting guide book written by Dr. Patricia M. Wynne. Dr. Wynne, inspired by her own two children to write this book, realized that potty training is a highly individualized process that has the potential to overwhelm even the most caring of parents. Her book is intended as a handy reference manual with important messages for parents who are about to start potty training their child. It offers all the tools and information parents need to give them complete confidence they and their child will survive potty training, and even see it as the first of many great adventures they have embarked on together. This book provides a solid foundation for potty training and places great emphases on the unique personality and needs of each child. The approach is always with the upmost love and respect throughout the process. It offers proven methods that will work. In fact, this book has been endorsed by many parents and experts in the field of child development.

The major role of a parent is to teach, encourage, and support their children throughout their lives. In the young years, a parent will help them through many milestones before they reach adolescence and adulthood. The author states potty training is the first milestone that gives a child a real sense of independence. As a parent approaches this time many emotions, concerns and questions can arise. For this reason, I'M POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD, WHAT NOW, has User-Friendly Charts, Parent-Point-of-View Quotes and Quick Tip Sections to guide the parent along. In addition, there are Chapter Overviews. These provide cross-referencing of the material, so this book can easily be read straight through or read by flipping to the particular sections that are of the most interest.

This easy-to-read guide book has only nine chapters that are choc-full of vital information! Chapter Nine is a question and answer session, most helpful as it references back to previous chapters for more details. From the start, Chapter One provides Quick Summaries for each of the chapters and provides a Readiness Checklist and a Supplies Checklist for shopping convenience. Chapter Two is all about how to set a Positive Tone for the entire process and Chapter Three is about Signs of Readiness. These signs can help a parent to know about when to start the process of potty training. The middle chapters cover Pre-Training ideas and the Nuts and Bolts, or details, of the whole process. Later chapters offer Alternative Approaches, discusses Common Problems and Obstacles, and how to handle Accidents and Setbacks, as well as Special Situations in potty training.

I found, author, Dr. Patricia M. Wynne's book, I'M POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD, WHAT NOW, to be very comprehensive on this subject. It seems any parent could benefit from her first-hand experience in potty training and her extensive research from so many trained experts. This is a book mothers and fathers will want to have handy when the time comes to potty train their child. It would also be an excellent book for other caregivers who take part in a parent's journey of potty training. Even the baby sitter and grandparents might find this book very informative and fitting for today's busy times.

Author, Dr. Patricia M. Wynne holds a doctorate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Her interests are many and she has been published in several Journals including, Neuron, the Journal of Neuroscience, and the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Dr. Wynne offers more parenting tips on her blog at LessonLadders.com. She is also a huge fan of Sophie's Magic Underwear, by Kristin Kroha, a potty training book with wonderful illustrations by Valerie Bouthyette. Sophie is a toddler who takes the reader on an adventure as she learns not to go to the bathroom in her pants! What a wonderful support book to be used in conjunction with this excellent guide book for parents, I'M POTTY TRAINING MY CHILD. WHAT NOW?

Lioslaith-Last of the Painted Ones

book

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

Lioslaith-Last of the Painted Ones

By George C. Myles

Book Review-253 pages

S. Marie Vernon

Pacific Book Review –5-30-2013

Lioslaith Last of the Painted Ones Book One, by author George C. Myles, is an adventurous, historical fiction set in 9th Century Scotland during its dark age: a critical period, after the Romans and just before the Viking invasions. Despite their fierce fighting ability and battle-hard warriors, the Pict’s thousand year reign is coming to a close and their traditions are challenged by new influences including a new religion of the cross. Lioslaith, the story’s main character, is a young girl coming of age who rebels against all that is new, embracing instead the old ways of her people and their tradition of full body tattooing. It’s called scarification. Through Lioslaith, and other characters like Bre and Erca, the author challenges us to think of the Pict people as more than barbarians in spite of their bloody battles, lust, and constant struggle for power and revenge. Some adult language classes this novel for mature audiences only.

The Norsemen have raided Northumbria and are moving quickly to overtake the powerful Pictland kingdom of Fortriu and the Gael mainland of Dalraida. The Viking craving for fertile land seems insatiable and their efficient long ships might be able to sail right into the mainland through the mouth of the River Dee. To stop the terror, the Pict King Oengus allies with the Scoti, A’ed mac Boanta, who is the Vassal King of Dalraida. Former enemies, they form an alliance and develop a plan to attack and annihilate the cruel Vikings. The brutality of the age is unthinkable, yet this story is laced with romantic encounters, love, and the hope of love, supposing for us a civilization of human beings struggling to survive and find some happiness and meaning in their existence. Love and the human spirit are constantly tested as lovers and families face bloody warfare, treachery and betrayal.

The author, George C. Myles, uses descriptive writing and, both, third person and first person narrative to tell the story of Lioslaith. He expresses three viewpoints within the book: that of the Picts, the Gaels and that of the Vikings. To keep the storyline straight, he has included a character list at the front of the book. While each of these nations has many formidable characters, they also have likable characters that are simple and have honor and integrity. Even the Viking warlord, Fafnir Hognison, shows loyalty to his wife and restraint and compassion for the young slave woman, Malmury. The author achieves his objective of honoring the Picts as, high-spirited people, determined to defeat their enemies in order to protect their land, their culture and their traditions. We might ask ourselves were they really so different than we might be, given human nature and their circumstances? Even as Lioslaith embraces her destiny; a destiny she did not expect, she carries part of her past and family traditions with her as they are etched into her skin. Lioslaith descends from Pict nobility and is the Last of the Painted Ones in this Book One. She wears her designs proudly into her future and makes one wonder what she might accomplish in the sequel that will be forthcoming from author George C. Myles. Lioslaith book one is an easier read than it originally appears. Romantics and lovers of ancient history, and historical fiction will enjoy this book and thirst for book two.

The Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga

datum

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

Sheraton Read

The Sheraton Read House Hotel is a unique hotel located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is one of the city’s greatest architectural landmarks and a timeless masterpiece of history that offers a perfect setting for today’s business meeting, convention, conference, family reunion, wedding, vacation or a simple weekend get-a-way. This charming, elegant and historic old hotel is now franchised by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, a member of the Sheraton Family, a family that places strong emphasis on superior service, satisfaction and comfort for each of their guest. Here, they offer a four-star hotel experience that combines the nostalgic charm and hospitality of yesterday with the modern conveniences and amenities of today. A stay at The Sheraton Read House while visiting Chattanooga is

truly a unique experience and one not soon forgotten.

The first hotel to occupy this site was built in 1847 and known as the Crutchfield House. In 1863, the Crutchfield House was converted into a hospital as the Civil War ravaged Chattanooga. The hotel survived the war only to burn to the ground in 1867. This gave way to the present day hotel which opened in 1926 designed in a Georgian style brick and terra-cotta building that climbs ten stories with an elaborate lobby and bejeweled Silver Ballroom that exudes class from an era long past. The high ceilings glisten with original Waterford Crystal chandeliers and mirrors recessed into massive arches. The grand lobby has tall columns with carved and gilded woodwork and marble inlaid flooring that shines like glass. Lavish, luxurious and extravagant there’s no doubt about it! Once the choice of the elite, many presidents and famous people have stayed here, yet, today Sheraton has made The Read House the personal choice of the every-day, yet discriminating, traveler or business person. With its antebellum charm and warm hospitality, to visit The Sheraton Read House is to fall in love with it.

The Sheraton Read House Lobby from the Sheraton Photo Gallery

The Hotel has 241 spacious rooms for its guest with Sweet Sleeper Beds that offer the most in comfort. There is 17,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space that’s perfect for catered events and the hotel has been catering social events for eight decades. In addition to meetings and conferences, family reunions and weddings can become even more special when experienced in this elaborate setting, especially the Silver Ballroom and the Courtyard designed for the ultimate presentation. Whatever your occasion, the Sheraton staff can help you pull it off in style.

Located inside the hotel, Porter’s Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily, and is famous for their mouth-watering steaks and seafood. Also inside, Starbucks coffee is fast and convenient for those on the go. And, the kids will love the dog can vacation with them, but do contact the hotel first as some rules will apply. For the dedicated, there’s an indoor heated pool and a core performance 24-hour fitness facility. And, this hotel offers, friendly and fast, valet parking for a reasonable fee. It is 100% non-smoking and you never pay for high-speed internet.

The Sheraton Read House Silver Ballroom from the Sheraton Photo Gallery

Officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Sheraton Read House will honor the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, in the fall of 2013, offering Civil War Commemorative Packages that will include tours in horse drawn carriages. It’s a must to reserve rooms early since the hotel is often booked to full capacity. During the Civil War, the hotel served as a hospital and so will add a museum to display its Civil War relics to reveal even more about this fascinating time in history, including accounts of a ghost that may live in room 311 and another on the 4th floor. Since the War, the hotel has entertained many dignitaries and celebrities including Jefferson Davis, Winston Churchill, William McKinley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Truman, Richard Nixon, Al Capone, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and more recently, Oprah Winfrey (she asked for room 311, by the way). But, today The Read House invites you to be their honored guest and add to their rich and long-standing history.

In 2012, The New York Times named Chattanooga, also known as The Scenic City, one of 45 top cities to visit, worldwide. Only four locations were named in the United States, the other three are in California. Travel and Leisure Magazine named The Scenic City one of their five “Next Great Escapes” and says Chattanooga is a “Cultural Find.” Southern Living says, “Chattanooga is one of the most family friendly, outdoorsy spots in the South. Debra Warren, Director of Sales at The Sheraton Read House said “the terrain, the landscape” was captivating to her and one of the big draws to the city itself. And, she says “Chattanooga has it all, the downtown area, the Tennessee River with the riverboats, Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Rock City and easy access into the city from all directions.”

And, why do I love The Sheraton Read House some have asked? Well, let me explain. I lead a double life, working full-time and moonlighting as a writer and professional reviewer as often as I can. Writing is my creative passion. I live in Jacksonville, Alabama, a small town surrounded by Birmingham Alabama, Atlanta Georgia and Chattanooga Tennessee. I enjoy getting away for the weekend, and for me Chattanooga is my most fun get-a-way location and The Sheraton Read House is one of my favorite hotels. What I love best is how the city makes it easy to get around and The Read House makes my stay delightful. Most cities I visit in Alabama, Georgia or Florida, I am forced to drive my car to the main attractions and hotel quality will vary. Once I’m checked in at The Read House, the valet parks my car and I never see it again, until I leave. I usually walk the seven or eight blocks down to the river, to the Aquarium, or to the Art District or to any number of restaurants or special music events that might be in town. There’s one caveat: the traffic signals - they change too quickly and you don’t have time to get across the street before they change again. If I don’t feel like walking, I can, conveniently, rent a modern city bike for only $6.00 per day and turn it in at my destination, no problems, except for those changing lights! And, best of all there is the free Electric Shuttle. I can hitch a ride on the Shuttle and go anywhere in the city. I especially like riding it to the Chattanooga Choo Choo and The English Rose Tea Room. The Read House has its very own Shuttle stop so I can get on right in front of the hotel. It makes the whole experience just awesome!

As much fun as downtown Chattanooga can be, The Read House has so much to offer you almost don’t need to leave the hotel to feel like you’ve had a great vacation. Sometimes I meander about enjoying the grandeur of this marvelous place. I grab a glass of merlot, slip up to the mezzanine, find a comfortable spot and pretend I’m the pianist sitting at the baby grand below, creating a crescendo for those still coming and going. What more could one need to recharge? It's truly rare to find such elegance in a hotel coupled with outstanding service and yet still feel so very casual, laid back and comfortable while you are there. The Sheraton Read House has become a beloved, favorite hotel to me because it has so much to offer and it does not disappoint.

Back to Jerusalem by Jan Surasky

book

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

Back to Jerusalem

Back to Jerusalem is a novel written by Jan Surasky, the 2012 award winning author of Rage Against the Dying Light, a story about Boudicca and her battle with the Roman Empire. Back to Jerusalem is a novel about another type of battle faced by women living in the 1970’s. Set in the small town of Jerusalem New York, Jenny Thompson grows up on her family farm, just hours from New York City. Jenny is gifted and dreams of going to college and pursuing the life of a successful artist. However, like so many young women of her time, Jenny feels the pressure from her mother and society to put her dreams on hold. Women of this era are expected to marry well, have children, and support their husbands as they climb the ladder of success. That’s all that is expected of Jenny, but she is destined for so much more.

Jenny is beautiful, compassionate and very talented. She’s dating the local football star when she graduates from high school. Bud sweeps her off her feet and they soon marry and have a wonderful son, Josh. Later, Bud proves he’s not the best husband and not the best father either. Jenny has an eye for what is real, beautiful and good. She wants a more loving and fulfilled life. She moves to New York City. There, Jenny struggles, but over time builds a successful life for herself and her beloved son who is growing up. She’s becoming known for her beautiful landscape paintings and her photography.

In New York, Jenny sees cultures collide and find ways to exist side-by-side without issue, without drama. She thinks of Jake Martin, childhood friend and playmate. Jake was a Mennonite. She remembers what a great person Jake was and how he dreamed of becoming a revered attorney. He wanted to help the poor. Jake had meant a lot to Jenny growing up, but her world and his would not have been accepted by her mother and her Methodist upbringing. Her mother would never have approved. The question was would her path and Jake’s ever cross again? And, if they did would he inspire her and she him as they once had, so long ago? When Jake’s picture hits the cover of the New York Times, Jenny dreams they might, but learns Jake has a fiancé. Fate would have to intervene if this couple would ever find each other again.

Jan Surasky’s first successful novel, Rage Against the Dying Light received the Eric Hoffer Award and many rave reviews from established publications. She has now created Back to Jerusalem as another great book. Through Jenny, this one accurately depicts the plight of women caught in the strong grip of society’s expectations of them in the 1970’s. Liberation is slow to come for many women, if at all. Jenny lived her life in the traditional way as long as she could. She finds herself divorced and struggles for real meaning in her life. It’s difficult, but she finds her way back to her talents as an artist. She is successful in every way and she’s done it all by herself. The one thing she is missing is real love and contentment. The question is if she goes Back to Jerusalem will she find it? To find out, it is a must read.

This novel is really a love story, written in a narrative that will speak to those who are romantic at heart, those who desire a little mystery and those who look for what is real in life. I believe this is a book for any woman who has struggled against odds to be successful in the face of a society that says she can’t do it and shouldn’t even try. And, Back to Jerusalem is an encouragement to women everywhere, to never give up on their dreams.

Invisible Threads

book

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

Author Priscilla Sacramento
Publisher AuthorHouseUK
ISBN 9781524632397
Pages 290
Genre Fiction Romance
Reviewed by S. Marie Vernon

Pacific Book Review

Invisible Threads is a progressive and adventurous romantic fiction written by Gibraltar’s businesswoman, Priscilla Sacramento. It’s a love story that begins a generation before that of Maria Jesus and the love of her life, Pepe. Their forbidden love is so very strong and will not be denied. It sets in motion a secret that will be carried to future generations before it can be solved. The tale spans the entire twentieth century and is centered in the regions of Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco where the Roman Catholic, Christian and Islamic religions are as strong as they are different.

Within this third person narrative much is revealed about the religion and culture of the Spanish, the Muslims and the English people alike. In particular, the hardships of women are emphasized as Roman Catholic girls often marry Muslim men and give birth to their children. The author navigates her story well as she describes how these families survive war-troubled times as well as the inevitable belief changes that occur from one generation to the next. For instance, women become more independent, they don’t want to just be the property of men and have babies as their main purpose in life. Some will wait until they are much older to marry and plan on contributing to the family income by starting small businesses of their own. It’s not always easy, but change does occur. The book is timely and offers gentle encouragement for our troubled times.

The evening of December 31, 1999 is most exciting and proves to be auspicious in several ways. Families have come together from all the surrounding regions. Pat and Tito Garcia have invited all their immediate family, their distant relatives and many friends to Gibraltar for this special gathering. The children are dressed in their finest attire as well as the grown-ups. The Garcia party has unknowingly brought together a lost family and they celebrate with zeal and enthusiasm to bring in the twenty first century with the best of everything. They want to enter the new millennium celebrating family, peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.

At the deepest level, Invisible Threads is a story about women’s issues, the diversity of people, changing times and as Priscilla Sacramento beautifully describes, “the collective striving of the human species.” While seemingly invisible, the day-to-day lives of everyday people reveals how small the world is and how connected we all really are. An invisible link becomes visible to us as we see human beings strive for love and happiness in an unpredictable world. This is a delightful, yet serious, romantic fiction that will speak to the heart of women and romantic fiction lovers everywhere. Also, it will speak to anyone who wants insight into the history and culture of the regions of Spain, North Africa and British ruled Gibraltar – all different in beliefs and customs, yet similar in the desire for love, happiness and meaning in their world.

Buy on Amazon

The Soul Hypnotist by Edwina Orelus,

book

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

The Soul Hypnotist is set is Louth Ireland and London England where an adopted child’s every dream unfolds and a young woman emerges ready for everlasting love and happiness that will carry her into a blessed future. Somehow that blessed future gets derailed by a jinni. If only Laoise had listened to her dying father when he said, “follow your heart Laoise, always follow your heart.” If only she had listened!

Author, Edwina Orelus was born in Haiti, is well travelled and studied filmmaking at the Art Institute of Los Angeles. In this romantic and religious fiction, she encourages her readers to embrace their faith and spirituality and to “always listen to their instincts because they are always right.” Written in third person narrative, the author has woven a fictional tale filled with romantic and supernatural twist and turns. Laoise must use her instincts to stay safe from the jinni, “the God-created spirits that can be good or bad.” Orelus makes her point as Laoise has been protected by angels many times, yet finds herself in tragic circumstances that can only be removed by quick instincts, faith and fast actions.

The jinni is found in Arabian and Muslim Mythology. They are intelligent, function a bit lower than angels and can possess humans negatively if they do not stay in constant faith. These spirits are invisible to most humans but they are always around. Laoise’s father feared them and Laoise has seen indications of their presence throughout her lifetime. Although protected, she encountered pure evil at Saint Martin Boarding School in the South of France, a prestigious Christian landmark since the 14th Century.

Laoise is half Irish and half Egyptian. After graduation she travels to Egypt to see the pyramids and learn about the Egyptian culture. She meets and falls in love with a man who is destined to become her husband. Her wedding is planned and Laoise is so happy. She is independent and lives her life on her own terms. Life is good and Laoise wants to keep it that way. It will mean keeping many secrets from her adoptive and controlling mother, Iezabel. Thank goodness, her adoptive father, Ahab is much more understanding and compassionate toward her goals. Laoise has always been closer to Ahab. He understands her better than Iezabel, but he loves Iezabel and keeps the peace in this family.

This book is well written and with an edit would prevent readers from being just a bit distracted from the story line and the author’s message about faith and being true to oneself. The story is suspenseful in just the right places and will hypnotize romantic fiction lovers who have a flare for the supernatural and are not afraid of demonic undertones. Be prepared for plot twists and a cliff hanger ending that I believe could only be laying the groundwork for an enchanting sequel to The Soul Hypnotist. Of course, only the author, Edwina Orelus could tell us for sure.

Steel Fetters by Tina Fernandez

book

Wilhelm يوليو 02, 2017 0

Miss Afia Rana is a beautiful young lady who has landed her dream job. She’s an airline stewardess flying for India’s Southern Airlines. She makes frequent trips to Bombay, Mumbai, and the famous Juhu Beach area surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Exotic and romantic, Afia also attracts the man of her dreams and he’s the head of a Steel empire. His business takes him across the middle east as a frequent flyer. Afia is flying high and loving her life, until her baby arrives and the years slowly turn to Steel Fetters as she challenges the “false morality of the 1980’s.” Her endless love for her child gives her the strength to rise again and again against a difficult backdrop and an unfair situation that life has handed her.

The author, Tina Fernandez, does a good job with this personal experience story. It describes the plight of countless women during this era. While every country had its own way of chastisement for these brave single mothers there is little wonder why abortion became so popular. There were no easy choices and no easy answers for the women who faced the dilemma, especially in India.

Before the baby, Afia’s father held a different dream for her. It followed traditional. He wanted to choose a husband for his daughter. She would retire from flying, become a loving wife and raise a family. This is the way it was done in India, except Afia hated this dream and wanted no part of it. The situation threatened to tear the family apart. Afia’s mother would also have choices to make and they would not be easy.

Tina Fernandez is a successful author and business woman who keeps the cause of single motherhood close to her heart. She champions associations that support these brave mothers as they choose life for their children. She knows what a high price they are paying in a society that has false values and, “false morality,” when it comes to unwed mothers. Her book will speak to women of all ages, especially single mothers. It may also speak to the children of these single moms; the children who appreciate the sacrifices their moms made to keep them safe. On a deep level, Steel Fetters is a story about society and moral norms that do not serve humanity and how one woman challenged them. She broke through what seemed like steel to build a secure and happy home life for herself and her beloved son.