[Book Review] Chanelle Coleman Wesley shows that by saying yes to yourself it makes room for everything else

 

by Cyrus Webb

 This is the kind of book that women as well as men can benefit from. SHE SAID YES TO HERSELF UNAPOLOGETICALLY captures the importance of knowing who you are, identifying your self-worth and not allowing others to keep you from walking in your own greatness.

Chanelle is able to share the lessons she has learned but how she is using her platform to motivate and inspire others towards their own possibilities. In 2024 I have seen her do just that, embracing her role as a motivational speaker, leader and author who doesn't just talk the talk. She walks the walk. 

Love that the message is all about realizing that where you are now does not have to determine how far you can go. And even if you have put others ahead of you in the past, now is the time to say yes to you.

A book that will not just help you grow in your own confidence but show others the importance of putting themselves first, SHE SAID YES TO HERSELF UNAPOLOGETICALLY touches the mind and the heart. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] The Forgiveness Game by Norma McLauchlin

  

Sometimes we need a little fiction to remind us of the important truths in our life. THE FORGIVENESS GAME by Norma McLauchlin is that kind of book. 

Through the lens of the character Trish readers are able to see what some are willing to endure in the name of peace and familiarity, only to be reminded of the importance of loving and valuing yourself. 

THE FORGIVENESS GAME shows how men (and some women) can use words and a façade to get what they want and expect others to deal with it---counting on the object of their abuse not to wake up and realize their value and worth. The book also shows, however, when the chips are down who is really there for you. 

The kind of read that draws you in to the story and leaves you with lessons and your own epiphanies, THE FORGIVENESS GAMES shows the power of forgiveness and the importance of peace. 

Get your copy of THE FORGIVENESS GAME on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] The Catch Book of Fools! shines a light on what to avoid and who we are to be

 

 No one wants to be a fool, right? Yet it can be said we either run into people with foolish behavior and tendencies or we find ourselves displaying them from time to time. With that in mind, Dr. Velma Bagby's book THE CATCH: Book of Fools! is so timely.

Whether you have read her fiction series The Catch or not, this book shares 80 scriptural examples of fools and/or foolish behavior that we do well to avoid. This can be in our personal and professional relationships or even our dealings with ourselves. 

Thankfully we don't have to wonder the kind of behavior that can be dangerous and keep us from our goals in life. The Bible lays it out for us. All we have to do is read, study and take heed. I love the layout of the book, giving us the scriptures and then the opportunity to ask the questions that need to be asked. Once we come to an answer it's about making notes and the personal reflection, giving us the opportunity to make the changes needed. 

Great for your personal use or as a family, THE CATCH: Book of Fools! shines a light on what to avoid and who we are to be. It's then up to US to take action. 

Get your copy of THE CATCH: Book of Fools! on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] Stand Up to Workplace Bullying and Discrimination by Dawn Marie Westmoreland

 

When I first heard about the new book by Dawn Marie Westmoreland I knew it was something I wanted to read so I could tell others about it. STAND UP TO WORKPLACE BULLYING AND DISCRIMINATION was released in June 2021 and continues to be just right for reminding people of their power in their place of employment. After I started reading it, however, I realized that it is more than a workbook for work. It's about what we deserve in life, and the importance of doing our part to make sure that everyone feels seen and respected.

Taking real examples, including her own, Dawn shows in the book what your rights are, the right and wrong ways to handle situations that arise---and the resources that can help you and those around you.

That's right: The book doesn't just address the PROBLEMS. It provides assistance to get you SOLUTIONS. This is a book for those who want to change things, for those who want to take action as well as for those who want to share what is available for those brave enough to take a stand.

STAND UP TO WORKPLACE BULLYING AND DISCRIMINATION is a great resource for those feeling invisible and treated unfairly. It reminds you that you're worthy of being seen and heard, and you're not alone.

[BOOK REVIEW] For anyone who has ever felt doubted or counted out YOU'LL SEE is for you

by Cyrus Webb

 It's fascinating to me how a story that might seem so personal and specific to one person can be universally accepted and embraced. That is what YOU'LL SEE by Suzanne Groves does. 

It's HER story but in many ways it is OUR story. It's the story of anyone who has felt doubted or counted out by loved ones, friends or even those we might encounter. It's the story of those who might have neer felt enough or capable of achieving great things. Suzanne shares what she had to encounter not just with her father but with others who might have wanted to push her aside or discount what she could do.

Whether it was in the personal challenges she experienced with her parents or feeling good enough while navigating her education and employment Suzanne was able to say "You'll see" when she was counted out. She was able ot believe in herself and do some things afraid. Something all of us can do as well. 

A look at someone who was able to find peace among the pieces she was given and thrive, YOU'LL SEE is all about not letting others or circumstances define you. Realize who you are and walk in that. 

Get YOU'LL SEE on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] With THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM author Alretha Thomas delivers another suspenseful read

 

by Cyrus Webb

 Author Alretha Thomas is no stranger to great storytelling, and her newest novel THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM is another example of that. 

We're able to meet two women, Leslie and Barbara, and see how events in their lives contributed to not just a mystery for once but secrets and regrets for the other. Allowing the reader to experience their worlds individually, we're able to understand not just some of what led them to the decisions they make but also what contributed to who they have become.

As the story goes on we're able to peel back the layers and realize the importance and power of the truth---as well as addressing things that have been unresolved by both women.

Outside of the mystery and drama, this book also tackles some important topics like mental health awareness, abuse and the dangers of manipulation. 

By the end you find yourself not only understanding BOTH WOMEN BETTER but split as to who might be the most sympathetic. 

Wonderfully crafted and a thrilling read from the very beginning, THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM deals with the consequences of our actions and those who have to pay the price for our decisions and deceptions. 

Get your copy of THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] NIGHT OF THE HAWK by Lauren Martin speaks to life, good and bad, and how we handle it

 by Cyrus Webb

I loved Lauren Martin's NIGHT OF THE HAWK as soon as I started reading it.

Through poetry she is able to chronicle her own personal reflections about relationships, our own mortality, how we deal with the changes that time brings---and even getting to know ourselves better. 

The cool thing is that you'll find yourself thnking about your own life, how you deal with challenges and what you can do if you choose not to give up on yourself. 

The book touches on all aspects of life, and that is what makes it such a great collection of poetry. You're able to find something you will either connect with or know someone who can. You'll see how even when it comes to different perspectives we can empathize with the experiences of others, finding something we can connect with.

Writing about life, the good and the bad, NIGHT OF THE HAWK shows the importance of how you handle every situation you face and what it can do for you moving forward. 

Get your copy of NIGHT OF THE HAWK on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] Earl Hall's MIND YOUR BUSINESS

 

Having an idea for a business is great. Starting a business is commendable. Running a business---especially one that is going to last---is a process. That is why it is important to take steps that ensure you are set up for the long haul. Enter the resource that is MIND YOUR BUSINESS by Earl Hall. 

I've known Earl for over a decade, and it's been great seeing him navigate the world of business and share the process. That is continued in MIND YOUR BUSINESS where he not just shares "10 Simple Insights to Business Success" but the challenges you have to watch out for and overcome to get there. 

Everything from finding your space to run your business and setting the boundaries to do so as well as realizing what tools you need to utilize to make what you want to do work---these and more are explored in the book. It stresses the importance of being audience and customer focused while not leaving yourself behind, something that is not always easy. 

For those looking for the tools and push to not give up on what you are building, MIND YOUR BUSINESS by Earl Hall delivers just that. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] Using life lessons as a guide, Ally Dalsimer reminds us IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE FABULOUS EVERY DAY!

 

by Cyrus Webb

There is so much pressure on us at times to get everything "right". In IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE FABULOUS EVERY DAY! author Ally Dalsimer is giving us permission to re-evaluable what we are doing, what we are doing and what we really want as a result.

I love this book because it is full of messages that we can just pick up, digest, think about and then try to take action on. Ally uses some of her own experiences as a guide, but there is also the reminder that everyone has a different path. In fact, sometimes the reason why things aren't working out for us is because we have stopped listening to that inner voice and exchanged it for that of someone else.

When we're able to be honest about what we want and make a concerted effort to do it, we can be a lot more fulfilled and less judgmental when it comes to ourselves. That means we have to give ourselves some grace and remember that as the title of the book alludes to not every day is going to be a slam dunk.

Authentic, bold and presented in love, Ally Dalsimer was the perfect author for this book---and you will do well to pick it up for yourself. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] For those discriminated against in the workplace, Tanya White uses her voice for change

   For those who have felt like giving their best isn't enough in the workplace or that their accomplishments aren't being seen, Tanya White's book PROFESSIONALLY LYNCHED will speak to you on a deep level.

The book is more than just about dealing with discrimination in the workplace. It's also about being made to feel worthless and unseen in a space where you know you belong. I love her honesty and the way she shares the different things that occurred. I also love that she made it bigger than just herself, realizing that others were finding themselves in similar situations. 

Taking her own personal account and mixing it with history and what others were doing to fight discrimination, Tanya leaves a path forward for others who find themselves in similar situations. She also gives you the resources not just for yourself but for those you see having to walk in her shoes. 

PROFESSIONALLY LYNCHED is Tanya White using her voice to create change in the workplace and encouraging others to do the same. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] With MARTIN'S HEART (A Story of Forgiveness) Dr. Norma McLauchlin shows the importance of healing hearts

 

by Cyrus Webb

In a divided world it can be difficult to see how we can ever come together, however, in MARTIN'S HEART (A Story of Forgiveness) Dr. Norma McLauchlin shows the importance of looking for ways to connect. 

Using the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we are able to see how individuals of all ages can learn how to heal and move forward together by getting to know others, showing empathy and being willing to admit when we have done wrong. It's an inspiring book for kids, but contains many lessons that adults do well to consider as well. 

What if someone is unwilling to do what is right? The book addresses this, too. As it says: "Forgiveness is like a gift we give ourselves. It helps us feel free. Even if someone doesn't say sorry, we can choose to let go of our anger."

This is not an easy road to travel, but with true effort we can become better each and every day. 

The timing for MARTIN'S HEART could not be better. Dr. Norma McLauchlin delivers a powerful message that shows the importance of healing hearts, starting with our own. 

MARTIN'S HEART (A Story of Forgiveness) is available on Amazon.