REVIEW: “Dream” by Dutch Sheets
This book encourages you to never stop dreaming.
Each of us is designed by God to be a dreamer. He, also, is a dreamer, and He places His dreams inside of our’s. Dutch Sheets encourages you to find your way back to being a dreamer, if you’ve let yourself get away from it, saying that we need our dreams to live a full life. Without dreams, we live in mediocrity.
I enjoyed this book, and I like that it was a quick read; I finished it in one afternoon.
Recommended.
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Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
The Sunday Salon (May 27)
I finally finished a book, yesterday — “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve really had a hard time getting myself to sit down and read, lately. I keep putting the book down to go do other things. And, it’s not that the book was boring or uninteresting — I really enjoyed it! I just haven’t felt much like reading… and that’s always a scary thing for me! LOL
I forced myself to stay away from the computer, yesterday, so that I could finish the book. It helped that my daughter wanted the computer, ’cause then I’d have had to go through the whole whining-and-complaining bit if I’d tried to get it back.
I am really looking forward to having my own laptop. That way I can have the computer whenever I want! That’s not to say that I want to have the distraction from my books, of course. But, I will enjoy not having to fight with the kids for the computer, or worrying about whether their game-play will screw up my computer and leave me without access to the Internet. Can we say withdrawl? LOL
Anyway. Now I’ve moved on to reading “Dream” by Dutch Sheets. I just started it, so I’m only a chapter in. Therefore, I don’t yet have an opinion. But, it’s a tiny book, and I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of the day.
I bought a couple of books, this week… okay, more than a couple. 
Via Amazon, I got these:
“The Non-Planner Datebook” by Keri Smith
“Logo Design Love” by David Airey
And then, because I had some points, I went to Shopper’s Drug Mart and was looking to buy a book with said points. I ended up getting “The Immortal Rules” by Julie Kagawa (only having to pay $5, because the points took care of the rest), and then couldn’t help myself, and I bought “Empress of the Seven Hills” by Kate Quinn, too (I love-love-loved her “Mistress of Rome“!).
Anyway. Before I can read any of those, I want to get to the other books I have sitting around, waiting for me. One is a library book: “Not Just a Living” by Mark Hendricks. I found it, randomly, while browsing the library’s online catalogue, and it looks like it’s going to be really interesting. Then, I got an eBook copy of “Any Love But Mine” by Debbie Davies for review (thanks to the author, herself), so I need to get that read and reviewed.
I’m looking forward to having all of my review books read, and out of the way, as I’d gotten too greedy again, and haven’t had a lot of time to read what I’m just in the mood for… I’ve been reading more for obligation, again. That’s maybe what has put me into this semi-slump thing. I have some library books coming that I’m really looking forward to, and have been afraid I won’t be able to get to them, as I’ll have to read my review books first. 
I’ve been waiting on two library books, in particular: “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon, and “The Lost Daughter” by Lucy Ferriss. The first, I’m curious about, and the second looks like it’s going to be a really good read.
I’m also still waiting on the library copy of “The Winter Palace” by Eva Stachniak, but that will be a while in coming, as it has a very long queue. I’ve already been waiting for at least a month, and I’m still somewhere like 24th in line.
Other books on my library holds list include “Fever” by Lauren DeStefano, “Designing a House” by Lester Walker (purely for curiosity’s sake — we won’t be building any time, soon, but I love designing floor plans, etc), and “Drop Dead Healthy” by A. J. Jacobs (I enjoyed his other book, “The Year of Living Biblically“, more than I’d expected to).
Anyway. That’s where I’m at with books, for now. Happy Reading, everyone!
REVIEW: “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson
Arlene hasn’t always had a priviledged life. In fact, it was a rough start that pushed her to become who she is today.
Arlene is one of the dragons on the television show, “Dragons’ Den”. She is also the CEO of “Venture Capital” in Calgary, AB. Highly successful, this book showcases her thought processes and how she came to be where she’s at.
I love that Arlene frequently mentions her dad, and the lessons he taught her. He seems to have been a very wise man. And, as such, Arlene has become very wise, herself. This book gives you the tips and tricks for how to be persuasive, whether in business, or in life.
I enjoyed this read, and think that there’ll be a lot that I can take from it and use in my everyday encounters. I’m so glad my sister recommended this one to me! 
Friday Finds (May 25)
FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).
So, come on — share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!
My Finds:
“You Call the Shots” by Cameron Johnson
“What Might Have Been” by Kira Sinclair
“Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson
“Not Just a Living” by Mark Hendricks
“In the Courts of the Sun” by Brian D’Amato (book 1)
“The Sacrifice Game” by Brian D’Amato (book 2)
“Need You Now” by Beth Wiseman
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Friday Finds post, or share your ‘finds’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
WWW Wednesdays (May 23)
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
My answers:
What are you currently reading? I’m reading “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson. It’s a really good book, so far. Part memoir, part how-to persuade people. Good stuff!
What did you recently finish reading? I finished “I Got This” by Jennifer Hudson, last week. It was okay, but not totally what I’d been expecting.
What do you think you’ll read next? I still plan to read “Dream” by Dutch Sheets, next, as it’s got a deadline. Then I have a couple of eBooks to read: “Any Love But Mine” by Debbie Davies, and “She Takes On the World” by Natalie MacNeil.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
Musing Mondays (May 21)
(It’s Victoria Day weekend, here in Canada, so I slept in, folks… sorry about that!… but happy holiday!)
This week’s musing asks…
What do you do with the book before you start reading it?
I usually like to flip through the book, read the chapter headings, see if there are any pictures (memoirs sometimes have a photo section), and read the table of contents — if it’s a nonfiction (which I read a lot of).
With a fiction book, I just flip through it really quick, examine the front & back cover, and then dig right in.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
The Sunday Salon (May 20)
A belated Sunday Salon post, but at least now I get to share what I did today!
We’ve been up at my Dad’s house for the weekend, so when I got up today, Dad, stepmom, kids, hubby & I went to play mini-golf. We got to see little chipmunks running around (something we don’t have at home, and something my kids hadn’t ever seen for real — just in pictures). I got a little too much sun, so I’m burned on the side of my neck, my face and arms. Forgot to wear sunscreen. 
Later, this afternoon, hubby and kids and I went to see my sister at the market where she works, and I took a bag of books to trade at my favorite bookseller’s stall. I made out with the following to bring home:
• Darkfever – Karen Marie Moning
• The White Queen – Philippa Gregory
• My Immortal – Erin McCarthy
• High Stakes – Erin McCarthy
• Infidel – Ayaan Hirsi Ali
• Ghosts – Adrian Plass
• Leap of Faith – Queen Noor
• In the Courts of the Sun – Brian D’Amato
I’m excited, as (1) I’ve wanted to get a copy of “Infidel” forever, and now I finally did! And, (2) I had just found “In the Courts of the Sun” online on Friday (just heard about it), and added it to my TBR list… and then, there it was –and a hardcover even– for only $5.00! Sweet! (it’s 677 pages long, so I was really impressed by that price).
I almost got the paperback copy of Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series… I really wanted to! But, I didn’t have enough money with me, this time around. So I’ll have to get that the next time I go.
My sister has a habit of trading her stuff for other things in the market, too, so she ended up surprising me by trading her chocolates for a purse for me at the one woman’s stall. It’s cool, ’cause my sister has the exact same purse, and I love it, so I was really happy to get one for myself!
I also got to meet the lady that I’d agreed to do some data entry for. I’ll be typing up her journal of a trip she took, and she’s paying me to do so. There are about 100 pages, handwritten. Looks to be an interesting side job that’s going to take me a bit. But, it’s cool, ’cause I’ll have extra money to put toward the laptop I’m saving up for.
Speaking of which, I am almost there! I’ve been saving since Christmas, and will have enough for my laptop come July. I can’t wait!:D
I am currently reading “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson, and am really enjoying it. She is one of the “dragons” on the TV show, “Dragons’ Den“. The book is really good.
Anyhoo. It was a good weekend, but I’m absolutely beat. Happy reading, everyone!
Friday Finds (May 18)
What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!
My Finds:
“Introverts in the Church” by Adam S. McHugh
“Get Off Your ‘But’” by Sean Stephenson
“Success: From Pitch to Profit” by Dragon’s Den
“Getting Real” by Susan Campbell, Ph.D.
“Oxford Messed Up” by Andrea Kayne Kaufman
“She Takes On the World” by Natalie MacNeil {website}
“Lead Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges
“Sacred” by Elana K. Arnold
“The Non-Runner’s Marathon Guide for Women” by Dawn Dais
“The Suburban Strange” by Nathan Kotecki
“Wake Up & Change Your Life” by Duncan Bannatyne
“Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Friday Finds post, or share your ‘finds’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
WWW Wednesdays (May 16)
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
My answers:
What are you currently reading? I am currently reading “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson. So far, it’s very good. It’s part-memoir, part-business book.
What did you recently finish reading? I finished “Anything” by Jennie Allen, “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade, and “I Got This” by Jennifer Hudson. Guess my slump is over! LOL.
What do you think you’ll read next? Probably “Dream” by Dutch Sheets, as it needs a review before the end of the month. I also have a couple of eBooks to read: “Any Love But Mine” by Debbie Davies, and “She Takes On the World” by Natalie MacNeil.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
REVIEW: “I Got This” by Jennifer Hudson
This is Jennifer’s memoir of her journey from normal Chicago girl, slightly overweight, to American Idol reject, to award-winning singer/actress who is learning to be healthy, and make healthier choices.
I didn’t like that a lot of the book felt like Jennifer was bragging about her accomplishments. And, there wasn’t much in the way of “this is what you should do if you want to get healthy” as there was “join Weight Watchers — it’s great!”
I was impressed, mind you, by her determination, and perseverance. I like her feistyness. And, I like that she got 75 of her relatives to join Weight Watchers with her — that’s incredible! Obviously, Jennifer is a very persuasive person! LOL
Overall, this book was just okay.
Musing Mondays (May 14)
This week’s musing asks…
Do you tend to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop anywhere?
Short & sweet, this week:
I usually prefer to read to the end of a chapter, but a lot of times that isn’t possible. So, I try to find a page break. I don’t like stopping right in the middle of a page, as it’s then hard to find where I left off.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
The Sunday Salon (May 13)
First off, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
I was pleased, yesterday, to have had a few hours to read. Therefore, I finished the book I was reading: “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade {see previous post for my review}. Fantastic book!
I was especially happy to finish as I’ve been in a bit of a slump, this past little while, and it was driving me crazy! I needed to finish some books.
I also finished reading “Anything” by Jennie Allen, on Wednesday, and it was good, too. Not as good, mind you, but still good.
After finishing “My Stubborn Heart“, yesterday, I immediately picked up “I Got This” by Jennifer Hudson, and I’m already 1/3 of the way through it. It’s good, and an easy read.
Next up will be “Persuasion” by Arlene Dickinson (of “Dragon’s Den” acclaim). My sister recommended this one to me, on the phone, this week, and it just so happened that the local library had a copy. So I borrowed it, and can’t wait to read it! It sounds really good!
This coming week will be a busy one for me. I’m hosting a Lia Sophia Jewelry party on Wednesday night, and I’ve been asked out to coffee on Tuesday, and lunch on Wednesday! Plus, I have to go to work Monday, Thursday, and Friday. So, I don’t think I’ll find much time to read. Either way, I’m looking forward to it all.
Happy Reading, everyone. 
