Trove; A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure - Book Review

Trove: A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure 

Author: Sandra A. Miller

Publisher: Brown Paper Press

Publication Date: September 19, 2019

Length: 180 Pages

Genre: Memoir






About the Author
Sandra A. Miller's writing has appeared in over one-hundred publications. She teaches writing at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and lives in Arlington, MA with her husband and two children. 

Treasure Hunting
Sandra began hunting for treasure when she was five-years-old. She picked up loose coins, matchbooks, ticket stubs, and other treasures that she found on the ground and hid them in a shoebox in her closet.

This is the story about how Ms. Miller used her life-long curiosity skills to collect clues and hunt for buried treasure in New York City. She joined an online armchair treasuring hunting club and searched for a buried chest that contained $10.000.00 worth of coins. She also collected clues about the relationships in her life and how her difficult childhood still haunted her in ways that were difficult to understand.

The author will not rest until she collects as many clues as possible and uses them to understand the meaning of her life (and hopefully find the buried treasure chest).

My Thoughts
I like to read memoirs/biographies because I truly believe that truth is more fascinating than fiction. I REALLY liked this book. I downloaded my copy in the afternoon of one day and read until I went to bed. I then started reading the next morning and didn't stop until I read the last page. I don't usually get hooked on a book like this, but I had to find out where that darn treasure was buried!!!

The story is much deeper than just hunting for a chest of buried treasure. The author is a superb writer and weaves her entire life story into this modern-day treasure hunt. She describes the difficult relationships with her parents, her husband,  and her children. She deals with inner pain, insecurities, and fears that she has held inside for far too long.

The real treasure at the end of the story is the author finding peace, satisfaction, gratitude and her purpose in life.

You will have to read the book to find out what happened to the buried treasure chest in New York City. Yep...truth is stranger than fiction.

Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS SECTION below.

A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe - A Review

A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree

Author: Colleen Monroe

Illustrator: Michael Glen Monroe

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Publication Date: December 1, 2011

Length: 32 pages. 


About the Author
This book contains illustrations by wildlife artist Michael Monroe and text from his wife, Colleen Monroe.

A Christmas Wish
An old tree on a Christmas tree farm is disappointed because he has never been chosen to go home with a family and be a decorated Christmas tree. He sees his sisters and brothers, daughters and sons, grandkids and great grandkids picked, one by one.

He is sobbing because he believes his dream has passed him by.

However, unknown to the old tree, he has some grateful friends in the forest. The squirrel finds his branches safe and warm. A cardinal says the tree keeps him safe from the wind.

A white-tale deer says the tree he is needed because he provides him with a soft bed of pine needles to lie down and rest.

The tree learns that he is much more than a Christmas tree to his forest friends. He is needed and appreciated all year long.

My Thoughts
The tree IS NOT too old to have a purpose in life. The animals in the forest let the tree know that he has been loved and appreciated all along. This story is about friendship and letting our loved ones know how much they mean to us. What a wonderful Christmas message! 

This story reminds me of the popular Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life. We have no idea how significantly our lives affect others. The old tree thought he was a failure, but he was pleasantly surprised when his friends expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

I read this book on my Kindle and the formatting is very good. The illustrations are outstanding and large enough to see the details. 

I borrowed this ebook from the Prime Reading program available to subscribers of Amazon Prime. This book would make an excellent addition to your child's Kindle e-reader on Christmas morning. 

Highly recommended for children of all ages!

5 STARS OUT OF 5

Thank you for reading my book review. Please join my family of subscribers and share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Everything I Know About Success I Learned From Napoleon Hill by Don Green

Everything I Know About Success I Learned from Napoleon Hill: Essential Lessons for Using the Power of Positive Thinking

Author: Don M. Green

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Date: March 2, 2013




About the Author
Don M. Green is executive director of the Napoleon Hill Foundation and president of the foundation board at the University of Virginia-Wise. He became CEO of Black Diamond Savings Bank at 41 and studied under personal development master W. Clement Stone.

Think and Grow Rich
"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
In 1937, Napoleon Hill published his groundbreaking book "Think and Grow Rich". Today, this book continues to inspire and motivate millions of world-wide readers seeking success.

Don Green shares the lessons that he has learned about success and the power of positive thinking in this autobiographical book. Mr. Green discovered the book "Think and Grow Rich" when he was in his twenties. He details Napoleon Hill's influence on his own success, growing up in rural Virginia and going on to become a bank CEO at just 41 years old. The author has been a life-long lover of books on success, including biographies, and has gained a great deal of knowledge from these readings.

The contents of this book include the following chapters;

• The Formula
• Success
• Adversity and Failure
• Purpose and Belief
• Books
• Desire and Discipline
• Goals
• Habits and Perseverance
• Frugality and Self-Reliance
• Learning From Others
• Mentors
• Opportunities
• Visualization
• Thinking
• Your Personal Success Equation
• Perseverance and Passion
• Legacy

The principles of success do not change. When these principles are studied and applied, those who follow them can expect the same results that successful people have obtained.  But remember, you can't just think, dream, or wish for something to happen; you must take action!

My Thoughts
This book is a real gold mine of insight, inspiration and motivation. The author shares his own experiences and shares the life stories of many successful people who have influenced his career and his personal life.

As a former librarian, I am especially impressed with Mr. Green's love of reading. Biographies are true lessons in life from which the reader can glean life-changing ideas and examples. Mr. Green includes an entire chapter in this book about how reading hundreds of inspirational stories, self-help books and biographies has inspired him to great levels of success. I have always been drawn to biographies and I felt a special connection with the author and his love of true-life books.

"Everything I Know About Success I Learned From Napoleon Hill"  is much more than a guide to achieving monetary success. This is a guide for successful living that will benefit all ages. If you read this book and apply the principles to your life, you will be greatly rewarded. The lessons presented in this book are an educational course for living life to the fullest. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

I would love for you to FOLLOW this blog. You may use Google Friend Connect or the Networked Blog widget to show your support and encouragement.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide by Lisa Marie Selow

A Rebel Chick Mystic’s Guide: Healing Your Spirit with Positive Rebellion

Author: Lisa Marie Selow

Publisher: Hay House Insights

Date: November 26, 2012



About The Author
Lisa Selow is a professional psychic and spiritual coach who specializes in liberating women to live empowered lives with more courage and authenticity. Lisa has used her own brand of loving humor, combined with a punk-rock edge, in the healing arts since 1998. She lives in the Detroit, Michigan, area with her husband and several electric guitars.

A Positive Kind of Rebellion
Are you a rebel chick?

Would you like to make changes in your life that could help you live your true  calling and purpose?

Ms. Selow defines rebel chicks as "women who desire to carve out their own paths in every aspect of life, including spirituality."

This book encourages women to write their own rebel chick mystic's guide by using exercises with thought-provoking questions, journal prompts and quizzes. These exercises focus on making your own life plan, letting go of your inner good girl, embracing your true self, finding your life purpose and carving out your spiritual path.

This book is a journey.  The author is a guide and coach who will encourage you every step of the way.

My Thoughts
Lisa Marie Selow gives women permission to challenge the status quo and start rocking their life to the beat of a new and different drummer. She encourages women to learn from the lessons they have learned in the School of Hard Knocks and move forward to a fresh and rewarding future.

This book provides many opportunities to write, study and learn from your past experiences and from hopes and dreams for the future. It is really an encouraging course on self-esteem, healing and growth.

"A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide" is a joy to read and offers life-changing opportunities for all who are willing to devote the time and effort necessary to work the program.  Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

I would love for you to FOLLOW this blog. You may use either the Google Friend Connect or the Networked Blog widget to show your support and encouragement.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Notes to Aspiring Writers; Your Dream, God's Plan

Notes to Aspiring Writers: Your Dream, God's Plan

Author: Brooke McGlothlin

Published: Brooke McGlothlin Media (July 15, 2011) ~ 34 pages 



About The Author
Brooke McGlothlin, MA, is the author of the best-selling ebook "Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most", creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons Challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society.

What Is God's Plan For My Life?
Brooke McGlothlin dreamed of writing a book her entire life. This ebook is a collection of five life lessons she learned as she pursued her dream of being a published author.

The author told of her early blogging experiences of writing and working hard to get an audience to read and comment on her posts. She learned that it is wiser to write for an audience of one...God. She has dedicated every aspect of her writing to Him and seeks guidance in Bible study and prayer.

Would it be a huge step of faith for you to stop striving in your writing career, and consider letting God bring the right opportunities to you instead?

The bottom line is that God has lifted up some and not others. More important than asking "why" when faced with disappointment is to humbly seek God's glory. Our life plans are less about us, and more about how He receives the greatest glory.


My Thoughts
Ms. McGlothlin opened her heart and wrote about the lessons she learned during her writing journey. These lessons have drawn her nearer to God and strengthened her Christian faith.

This ebook challenged me to seek God's will and to write for an audience of ONE. There is no formula for success that will work for all writers. This book will encourage you to follow your heart and discover your true life's purpose.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this book with my own funds on Amazon.Com.

I would love for you to FOLLOW my blog. You may use either the Google Friend Connect or Networked Blog widget to show your support and encouragement.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Life is Great! Revealing the 7 Secrets to a More Joyful You

Life is Great! Revealing the 7 Secrets to a More Joyful You!

By Rabbi Yitz Wyne

Xlibris Corporation, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4568-6943-4

 

About the Author

Rabbi Yitz Wyne is the founder and spiritual leader of Young Israel Aish of Las Vegas. Rabbi Wyne's sense of purpose and fulfillment in life is inextricably connected to the sharing of the timeless Torah knowledge, values and spiritual beauty with the entire Las Vegas community.

Life is Better Than Good - It's Great!
Rabbi Wyne believes that living joyfully is very attainable. We just need the right combination of wisdom and skills in order to achieve a happier existence. The author uses wisdom from religious teachings, poignant folklore and real life examples to teach the importance of living a joyful life. The following seven secrets are highlighted in this book;

• Clarity or Death! Finding Your Bottom Line.
• Choosing Joy: Making It Your Driving Force.
• Seeing Is Being: Expanding Your Reality.
• Focusing on the Good: Training Your Mind's Eye.
• Becoming a True Optimist: Anticipating a Great Tomorrow.
• Got Gratitude? Appreciating What You Have.
• Living a Meaningful Life: Finding Your Greater Purpose.

The author is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and refers to the Torah, the Talmud, Kabbalah and other Jewish teachings in his writing. The principles in this book are universal and apply to all who desire to make positive changes in their lives.

My Thoughts
I found this book to be enlightening and inspiring. Rabbi Wyne's "seven secrets" are right on target for those seeking a more enriched life. The author provides practical suggestions and strategies that are easy to understand and implement.

Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference. Rabbi Wyne believes that we have the ability to change the way we think about how we are living. Our circumstances might be difficult, but we can choose to have a joyful attitude and outlook. This book is about living life to the fullest.

Sometimes we just need a gentle (or not so gentle) reminder. Yes, life IS GREAT and we have so many reasons to rejoice. 

My Rating:  5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book to read and review from the author's publicist.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

Book Review: What Really Matters; 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying

A "perfect storm" is brewing for 79 million members of the baby boom generation, according to Colorado physician Karen Wyatt. With advancing age, these individuals must cope with the passing of their parents while also confronting the inevitability of their own death.
"What Really Matters; 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying" by Karen M. Wyatt, M.D., is a collection of stories about dying patients and their insights on living and dying.


About The Author
Karen M. Wyatt is a family physician who has spent her 25 year medical career working with patients in challenging settings, such as hospices, nursing homes and indigent clinics. She has founded a free medical clinic in a homeless shelter, accompanied three medical mission teams to Honduras, and led a non-profit clinic for the uninsured in its growth from a 4-hour per week all-volunteer operation to a full-time, full-service medical center.

7 Lessons For Living
This book was written by a physician who has spent many years caring for hospice patients. She wrote this book to share the life lessons that she learned from her patients. The lessons are based on seven statements that Jesus Christ uttered on the cross;

• The meaning of Suffering "I thirst."
• Love and recognizing life's priorities "Woman behold your son; behold your mother."
• Forgiveness and letting go of limiting beliefs and past traumas "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."
• Paradise "Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise."
• The true Purpose of existence "My God, my God for this I was kept (this was the destiny for which I was born.)"
• Surrender and the key to unlocking the flow of grace "O my Father, into thy hands I commit my Spirit."
• Impermanence and transcending fear "It is fulfilled."

This book uses verses from the Bible but it's spiritual focus is not limited to any particular religious belief. The book has a strong message for readers of any faith or philosophy.

The chapters in this book include case studies of specific patients that Dr. Wyatt has worked with in the past. These stories illustrate how patients and their family members can experience profound spiritual growth during the final days of life.

My Thoughts
I read this book because of the experiences that my family had with hospice care when my father suffered from congestive heart failure and passed away in October, 2010.

I found the case studies and the teachings in this book to be very poignant and touching. I found myself in tears many times as I read this book.

I think one of the hardest lessons to learn is that we will all die and that death is not to be feared. We must stop denying death and focus on living lives that really matter. The final chapter in this book provides ideas for implementing the "7 Lessons" in daily life. I think you will find much food for thought in this book. This book will inspire and motivate you to make some changes in your life.
Highly Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a paperback copy of this book to read and review from the author's publicist. Thank you!

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below

Book Review: Empower Yourself!

Change your thoughts and change your life! This ebook gives you the practical tools, insight, and guidance you need to transform your life, and make your dreams and goals a reality.

Empower Yourself! Reclaim Your Purpose, Passion And Prosperity, by Carolyn Johnson-Lee, will encourage, inspire, and empower you to keep moving forward until your dreams come true. This ebook is available in digital format from Amazon and Smashwords.


About The Author
Carolyn Johnson-Lee has lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles, California. Her work as a hypnotherapist, empowerment coach, holistic counselor, motivational speaker, human rights and woman's rights advocate, community activist, and writer, reflect her passion to inspire others to create a better life, a better community, and a better world.

Contents
This is a quick read (approximately 6500 words) but a great deal of material is covered in a limited number of pages. The following chapters are covered in this book;

• Reclaim Your Power
• Reclaim Your Mind
• The Power Of Words
• Reclaim Your Passion
• Reclaim Your Purpose
• Reclaim Your Prosperity
• Living On Purpose
• Affirmations
• Suggested Readings

The author has done some extensive research on these topics and shares the most important concepts that she has learned from her studies. This little book really packs a powerful punch!


My Thoughts
I have had this book for about a week and I have read it three times! This book is so full of encouragment and inspiration that I want to read it over and over. There are specific suggestions for setting goals, managing fianances and spiritual growth. The end of the book includes a list of positive affirmations that will inspire positive thinking and good results. There is also a list of "Suggested Readings" that will provide more knowledge and inspiration.
Ms. Johnson-Lee has shared her "secrets" for living on purpose. It all comes back to your thoughts. Thoughts are things because thoughts produce things. Your thoughts control how you react to your circumstances. Is your mind full of "stinkin' thinkin'" or are you thinking powerful, positive thoughts? This book will inspire you to start thinking about your thoughts, words and actions. If you are ready to make some positive changes in your life, this book is for you!

Disclosure: I want to thank Ms. Johnson-Lee for sending me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.
Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: 40 Days Without Food

This is the story of a young man's spiritual quest to find purpose in his life. He embarks on a 40 day journey of self-discovery and intimacy with God. He eats no solid food for 40 days and survives on fruit and vegetable juice.

 What can you learn from a 40 day fast? Does this experience help you discover the things that are MOST important in life?  40 Days Without Food; Divine Goodness To A Starving Soul, by Russ Masterson, will answer these questions and many more.

About The Author
Russ Masterson lives with his wife and two young daughters in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a BBA from University of Georgia and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a writer and pastor to college/20′s/30′s at The Church of the Apostles in Atlanta.

Favorite Quotes
As I read this book, I found myself highlighting many memorable passages. I would like to share a few of my favorite quotations from this book.

"We need something beyond shiny leaves, success and vanity. Affluence and struggle will both blow against us. Impatience will swirl, and unbelief will howl, but if we are wrapped in Christ's love, our roots will shoot deep----deep they'll run, through the shifting soil." 

"I closed my eyes and God's love spoke to me. "You are not alone in this. I have blue skies for you." It's easy to become consumed by regret of the past or fear of the future, to analyze or plan till you're stuck in the gray. But this promise----you are not alone in this----changes everything."

"But I realized this morning, like a revelation from God, that failure may be a comment on my abilities, but not on my value."

"I think the lesson in this is for us to refuse to treasure things that can't love. Things can entertain us, clothe us, and transport us, but they can't love us. "

My Thoughts
The title of this book literally grabbed my attention and I felt like I had to read it. I was not disappointed. I really didn't think he would be able to continue for 40 days without any solid food. He DID complete the fast!
I want to make it clear that food is not the main theme of this book, this book is about spiritual discipline, growth and faith in God.
Russ Masterson shares his victories, doubts, weaknesses and strengths in this inspiring memoir. At the end of the book, the author offers some tips on the practicalities of fasting.
This is a very worthy book to add to your Christian book collection. I think it delivers a powerful message for all ages. God is speaking to us today just like he spoke to Mr. Masterson..."You are not alone in this. I have blue skies for you".

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the Tyndale House Publishers.

I would love to hear from you ~ Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Habit

"First we make our habits, then our habits make us." ~ Charles C. Noble

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~ Aristotle

“Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconcious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character...” ~ Stephen R. Covey

"Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads on to actions, actions form habits, habits decide character, and character fixes our destiny.” ~ Tryon Edwards

This is the second of ten articles that I am writing about character building. These articles are based on a booklet that was published in 1915 named "Character Building". Here are links to the first two articles in the series;

The Science of Character Building

The Common Good

The booklet believes that habit is an important part of character building. Habit has been defined as "an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary". This is what the booklet says about habit;

"What one gets in the habit of doing, becomes second nature.

If one is in the habit of telling the truth, it will become natural and easy to tell the truth.

If one is in the habit of telling falsehoods, the habit of doing so will grow, till a lie will often be told where the truth would answer the purpose much better.

Habit is a cable; we weave a thread each day till it becomes so strong we cannot break it."

The Noticer - A Book Review

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective, by Andy Andrews, is one of the best books that I have ever read. The story begins with the author telling how his life was once a hopeless mess. He was a homeless young man living under a pier when he met Jones...not Mr. Jones, just Jones. Jones encouraged young Andy by telling him that he was right where he was supposed to be. He also asked Andy to read some books about famous people. Jones said, "By reading about the lives of great people, you can unlock the secrets to what made them great." These stories gave Andy a different perspective.

I have always loved to read stories about famous people. I remember going to the library as a child and picking out books about Clara Barton and Abigail Adams. Reading about other people really can give you a new perspective on your own life.

Perspective--it's about how you look at things--how you look at life. Jones offered the simple gift of perspective to several people in his community when they needed it the most. This change of perspective led to lives changed for the better.

Here are some key concepts from the book that helped me gain a new and better perspective on life;

• A true friend brings out the best in you.
• Four dialects that we use to express love; spoken words of approval, favors and deeds, physical contact, and love expressed in quality time.
• It's time to stop letting your history control your destiny.
• One can walk through the forest and never look up. But you can pick a single leaf and know all sorts of information about the tree you are under ~ Choose your friends wisely.
• If you are still alive, then you are still here, physically, on this planet. If you are still here, then you have not completed what you were put on earth to do.
• Most people think it takes a long time to change. It doesn't. Change is immediate! Instantaneous! It may take a long time to decide to change...but change happens in a heartbeat.
• Think about how other people would like to change you.
• The best is yet to come.

Jones offered hope to many residents of Orange Beach, Alabama. He helped them see things in a different perspective. At the end of the story, Andy found the suitcase that Jones carried left in a parking lot. There was a special message inside that touched the hearts of all who knew him.

I highly recommend this book. It will transform your life.

Are You A Twitter Gnat?

Have you heard the story of The Gnat and the Bull? It is an old Aesop fable that was written hundreds of years ago.

A Gnat landed on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained sitting there for a considerable time.

When it had rested sufficiently and was about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do you mind if I go now?"

The Bull merely raised his eyes and remarked, without interest, "It doesn't matter to me; I didn't notice when you came, and I won't know when you go away."

MORAL: We may often seem to be more important in our own eyes than in the eyes of our neighbors.

The gnat remained sitting on the bull's horn for a considerable time. He wasn't doing anything to make a difference. He wasn't contributing to the welfare of the bull. He was just sitting there.

Are you a Twitter gnat?

The Power Of Purpose

What are you living for?

What is the purpose of your life?

A purpose in life gives something to live for, something to work for and something to hope for. It is purpose in life that gives a person determination and the will to succeed.

The power of purpose is the power of love. No person can hold on to any purpose with all his heart unless he loves the cause that he is striving for.

Success does not come down on us like rain out of heaven. If we are only half serious and our purpose is only a desire, then when the sun comes down on us burning and smothering us, and we feel tired from our efforts, we will give up. But if our desire becomes a steady purpose to be successful in the thing we have undertaken, then we will not mind the sun and the heat and our weariness, but will work on with our purpose before us.

It is almost impossible to estimate the power of purpose in life. Things thought out of reason have been accomplished through purpose. Every great and noble deed that has ever been done has had for its captain and soldiers men and women of strong purpose.

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what consittues true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~ Helen Keller

"The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose." ~ William Cowper

"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy." ~ Og Mandino