Xlibris Book Review: Prosperity: The Fruit of Challenge

Paul Ottley. Prosperity: The Fruit of Challenge.  Bloomington: Xlibris Publishing, ISBN 978-1-45003-726-6. 2011. Casebound Hardcover.

Review:

Prosperity: The Fruit of Challenge This is a believable story of Paul Ottley, his life, success and failures, and at times even his resistance to God’s will. Paul’s whole future was shaped by his willful expedition as he searched for a better life somewhere else, did he find it? Yes that, and more. Not only will this book give you an understanding of Paul’s life, his principles, and his character, but it also answers some very important questions too.

Book Teaser:

Any one knowing me as a boy on the tmpical island of Grenada,

would never have imagined that things would turned out so diffierent,

and yet again,so wonderful.

Those were the days I recalled rising at pre dawn of the day, when first things first, were the order of the day in our lives, such as beginning the day with bible reading, and prayers that always ended with, “dear God thank you for this day", Amen.

Right alter that I would go straight to the field to take care of the animals, i.e., milking and feeding.

We had quite a lot of cultivated land, so that work to take care of it all. My dad, being an agriculturist, took great pride in planting and harvesting. For me, it was a mixed blessing; although the work was plentiful, it gave me a real opportunity to learn from the master himself. Although I felt frustrated at times due to the enormity of the task, one thing for sure I knew, I only had a very short time to witness a field of green and lush vegetation, which gave me great satisfaction and 

especially having a part to play in such an outcome made me feel good inside. The secret to me at the time was to take everything that came my way and use it to my full advantage.

It was no surprise to me to see my dad nominated to be the president of the farmers/growers association; being very close to my dad, I knew he would help me in every way possible. So he didn't waste any time, but immediately arranged for a scholarship and enrolled me in a junior accounting course which would enable me to help him even better, and

I saw it as becoming a man.

--------------------------

With that I continued my position as grader and weigher of goods for the depot.

With all these developments, news soon reached the little church that I attended, and I was voted in as leader of the young people's group.

I was writing and directing all of the programs for my group. By then my dear mother was overjoyed to see me going in a direction that made her very happy, and at the same time, the sound of the ministry sounded like music to her ears, so she went ahead and made plans for me to spend as much time as possible with the local minister of the church to mentor me to become a full-fledged minister one day.

In preparation, my dad taught both my sister and me the song to be sung in the church every Saturday in the service program; yes, we were little entertainers. He himself was a high C tenor who played many instruments. My dad was a great man who worked hard and accomplished much, and thats why I‘m like my dad.

Something I didn't quite realize was that being a well-rounded person means having the opportunity to do more than others, and yet theres nothing wrong with that. Sometime its hard to see the value at that particular time, but for me, I can say for sure it did me a tremendous good; and if I had the opportunity, I would do it all over again in a wink.

Looking back at growing up, that's exactly what its all about doing, that and much more. Most of the time, parents and guardians seem to overprotect young people by measuring carefully their involvement, sometimes to the detriment of their full potential. For me, I am very glad to have been exposed to so many things which I now consider to be a great part of my overall gowth and development, for which I am forever and eternally grateful.

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Xlibris Book Review: Cascade: Poems from the heart

Marjorie Dunkley. Cascade: Poems from the heart. Bloomington: Xlibris Publishing, ISBN 978-1-45352-038-3. 2010. Perfect Bound Softcover.

Overview:

Pen connected with paper that immortalizes our thoughts, our ideas, dreams and aspirations and that creates change, have always fascinated me. As a first time author, I'm excited and captivated by the fact that finally I've joined the literary world. "Cascade-Poems from the Heart", is meant to encourage, motivate and direct lives to a positive outcome. Most importantly may you reader sense the presence of the Holy One God Himself who gives gifts in abundance! As you go on this journey with me, I hope you will be encouraged to wake up your dreams! You took my dream from me, And woke it up to reality, When you helped me believe, I could see it for myself. What is not! Really is, If by faith I bring it into existence! 82 years and still procrastinating! 82 years sitting in that rocking chair With faded eyes, a wrinkly smile Telling tales of, if I'd try... Didn't want to live with that regret, That I hadn't done my best!

Book Teaser:


Cascade: Poem From The Heart
Isaiah 44:24

Green Days By The River

Whispers in the wind,
Sighs in the grass,
The lapping of the waves
As they dance,
The tall majestic trees,
With graceful bowing leaves,
Reminds me of green days!

The flapping of wings,
The sound of birds as they Sing,
The croaking of the frogs,
The soothing sound of a waterfall,
Remind me of green days.

The buzzing of the bees,
Hoarding honey, making hives.
The knocking of the Woodpecker,
From dusk till dawn,
The scurrying of the ants,
Saving food for winter,
The barking of the dog at
A visitor,
It's a beautiful world.
It's a busy world.
These are lazy days
With nature!
Green days by the river!


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1800455039
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Xlibris Book Review: Another Day in Paradise

C.L. Hughes. Another Day in Paradise. Bloomington: Xlibris Publishing, ISBN 978-1-45005-986-2. 2010. Casebound Hardcover.

Overview:

The black-and-whites lay sprawled across my desktop: about two-dozen 8 x 10s, each taken through the grimy window of a cheap motel room, each depicting the unclad images of Mr. Ronald Hillard and his mistress—her long hair styled in thick braided cornrows. I glanced at the photos one last time and sighed. Mr. Hillard certainly has an unusual—some would say disturbing—style of lovemaking. Well, to each his own. My name is Cecelia Love but everyone calls me C. C. for short. I am a Private Investigator and solving crimes is my new profession.

Book Teaser:

Chapter One

The black and whites lay sprawled across my desktop: about two

dozen 8 x 1os, each taken through the grimy window of a cheap motel

room, each depicting the undad images of Mr. Ronald Hillard and his

mistress - her long hair styled in thick braided cornrows. I glanced

at the photos one last time and sighed. Mr. Hillard certainly has an

unusual - some would say disturbing - style of love making. Well, to

each his own.

I leand back in my brand new leather high-backed chair and gently

massaged the sides of my forehead. I had woken up that morning

with a splitting headache. I was out until four a.m., working on this ‘I

think my husband is cheating’ case. Well, I have to inform my client

she needs to think no more.

My name is Cecelia Love but everyone calls me C.C. for short.

I am a Private Investigator. I received my PI license along with my

permit to carry a gun six months ago, but I have always had the eye

to spy. A former boyfriend always said ‘remember what you tell her

because if you don’t, she will.’

Ido not have a clue why my mother named me Cecelia but I guess

it must be a Southern thing since my father and her were both born

and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

--------------------------

[8]

After eighteen years in the railroad industry and finally receiving

my college degree, I decided that I wanted to become a PI. I’ve always

been a mystery and crime buff but with the creation of the television

series Crime Scene Investigation and others, my desire became greater.

So, I quit my well-paying job with full health benefits, took all my

savings minus my children's college funds, and started C.C. Love

Private Detective Agency, Inc

I am a single parent with two children, Alexis and Jason, both in

college. Not bad for a young, black girl from Chicago’s Robert Taylor

housing projects with big dreams and high hopes. My business is in the

basement of my home When I first purchased this home, the colors in

the rooms were horrendous. The kitchen was painted yellow and blue

and the living room was painted orange. I told my realtor, my first job will

be to paint the kitchen and living room. It literally took me a month to

paint my living room. The new trend is accent walls, sol have two accent

walls; belgium chocolate and bread basket. A picture says a thousand

words and my home reflects my music and my African heritage. I have

pictures of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane and African masks

from different tribes. My home is now a reflection of me and I love it.

My office has picture of various African masks and statues. My girlfriend

Lisa told me that my office makes her feel like she is in the Motherland.

It think  that was a complaint. By having my business in my home it cuts

down on the overhead expenses. I’m also the secretary, accountant and

maid. Who knew I could wear so many hats?

Normally I would drive to the nearby Dunkin Donuts for my morning

coffee, but since I am now a business owner, I have to economize - a

beautiful way of saying “I can’t afford it.” So, it is store-bought coffee

and store-bought donuts, not to mention store-bought lunch. That

is the price of running your own show, I guess. After my third cup of

coffee I finished my notes on the Hillard case.

As I gathered the photos, I thought of my client LaVon Hillard,

Ronald's wife of thirty-two years. I’m usually not in the business of

breaking hearts, but in this case I did not have a choice.

LaVon and her husband have four children, several grandchildren

and great-grandchildren. When she called to inquire about my services,

I explained my fees were two-hundred dollars per day, plus expenses.

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How to Write a Book Promotional Plan

When it comes to the point that your Xlibris manuscript is complete, you have edited it and edited it once more until it’s as good as it can get. Finally you have designed the book and its cover, written the foreword and your bio notes.

The next critical area to address ‘is how do you get the book noticed?  A promotional plan is a must. It’s just as important, or more so if you want to make a living out of it, as the writing and design of the book itself.

It is pertinent to note many authors, who ....click here to find out more about How to Write a Book Promotional Plan.

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Xlibris Book Review: Yours Truly

Hina Patel. Yours Truly. Bloomington: Xlibris Publishing, ISBN 978-1-43635-523-0. 2008. Casebound Hardcover.

Overview:

‘Yours Truly’ has been a very long awaited book in which the author has genuinely poured her heart and soul onto every page of it. ‘Yours Truly’ being Hina Patel’s very first poetry book, it would be rightful to say that this book is very close to her heart. Hope you enjoy reading as much as she enjoyed writing.“Poetry to me is a profound language of love. It’s the unspeakable truth or thoughts of the soul that brings out the poet in a person. Distinctly, it is words from within”.“I have written all my poems in basic and simple language, which can be understood by the readers who believe poetry to be a complex language”. A cup of coffee, your favorite spot to sit and this book that’s all you need to discover ‘Yours Truly’ (visit  her Facebook page www.facebook.com/yourstrulypoetry  or visit www.yourstrulypoetry.com).

About the Author:

Hina Patel a graduate of Cleveland State University. Though she graduated with a degree in Business she has always had a hobby of writing poetry and lyrics. She has been writing for over 12 years of which ‘Yours Truly’ is a collection of her earliest work.

Book Teaser:

OCEAN EYES

I have never seen those eyes before,

but the moment I saw I fell in love.

Was not just love but something more,

more than the earth below and heaven above.

remember those ocean eyes staring right at me,

I remember those eyes talking to my eyes.

I tried to Fall deep into those eyes to see,

to see, what magic in them lies.

I tried my best to drown and die,

yet my eyes just lowered as if they were shy.

HEAVEN

I wondered,

why the world

around me

seemed so heavenly

today?

As I gazed from a distance

I saw you!

And sensed

it was your presence

why the world seemed

So beautiful,

So heavenly,

today!

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Xlibris Book Review: Faith, Hope & Love

Doris Washington. Faith, Hope & Love. Bloomington: Xlibris Publishing, ISBN 978-1-43632-417-5. 2008. Casebound Hardcover.

Overview:

Faith, Hope & Love inspires you not only today, but also to believe in tomorrow. This collection of poems is an easy read, meaningful, truly inspirational for all to enjoy. Each poem has its own inspirational message. Not only will you be inspired by each individual poem and its message of inspiration. This collection of poems gives a wonderful reminder how to live and enjoy life fully. In the poem Obstacles the author expresses that life has its challenges, and dreams can come true. In Could You Sing A Song For Them? Continue reading here.

About The Author:

Doris Washington is a spiritual writer, author, poet, entrepreneur, and disability advocate who resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her husband and son John. Doris takes the inspiration for her poetry from an unfortunate incident that involved her 18-year-old son with autism and two police officers in December 1993. This unfortunate incident impacted Doris' life greatly. She was empowered to advocate for a statewide training program "Recognizing Special Needs" for police officers to recognize persons with special needs. And through this period of Doris' life her writing began.

Book Teaser:

Through And Beyond The Storm

See the sun as the storm comes.
He brings hope through it all.
Hold on to it always.
Trust in Him.
He’s always there.
Sometimes Life can bring
Many challenges.
Sometimes all at once.
And whatever comes to be,
Know it will pass.
Hold on,
And Pray.
For as the Storm comes,
Know He’ll always be there-
Through And Beyond!

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