Book Avenue at ChicBlvd.com

Wanna Be on TV????

2007-12-08T23:08:00.001-08:00

CMT Network is airing a Valentine’s Day TV special featuring an engaged couple—and they’ve asked us to help recruit YOU.

This is a positive “premarital counseling school” that truly wants to help couples merge their two worlds as they surround them with a team of experts--to ensure they have a long lasting happily ever after marriage.

Would you like to be featured… and win the GRAND PRIZE: A GREAT HONEYMOON PACKAGE!
Does he find it a challenge to be romantic? If so, CMT will take you both on a romantic picnic and show him how it’s done. Does your man find that you have a hard time even cooking Mac N Cheese? If so, CMT’s experts will bring in a famous chef to give you some tips.

Taping will be on January 3, 4 and 5th. Please email a photo, where you live, and a brief description of yourself to contactus@chicblvd.com before next Friday, December 14th.

P.S. We are also taking applications for the next ChicBlvd.com Bride to Be!
Sign up for ChicMail!

Irene Spencer-Shattered Dreams

2007-11-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Irene Spencer is an amazing woman with an amazing story. Born into a family of plural marriage, Irene always knew she wanted more out of life. At age 15 she met and fell in love with Glen, who she thought was her soul mate but at the same time she was being pursued by Verlan LeBaron who was a well known fundamentalist from her religion. Torn between true love and duty to God, Irene gave up the man she loved and went head on into polygamy as the second wife of Verlan. Her story is one of heartache, courage, and the will to find a better life. She has authored the book Shattered Dreams, which documents the details of her life into and out of polygamy. I had the pleasure of interviewing Irene and asking her for some more information about her life and her current newly released book.

Melissa: At the end of your book you stated that 3 of your children are still involved in plural marriages. Do you still see their families?

Irene: Oh yes, they’re my family, I’ll never give them up. They live that way of life. I wish my family hadn’t given up on me…

Melissa: Are you still in contact with your sister wives?

Irene: I am civil to them but I don’t see them except at funerals or weddings or something like that. They have a fair in Mexico every August in that town and I don’t go every year but I go every 3-4 years and I see them there.

Melissa: I read that you are currently married?

Irene: I have been married and it will be 20 years on the 23rd of December. I have a husband all to myself and it is wonderful!

Melissa: Was it hard adjusting to being married to a man who had only one wife?

Irene: You know, it really was. Sleeping with a man every night and having him there. Mostly the thing that was hard for me was this man caters to me. He gets me a glass of water, he looks at all my needs, he cuts little flowers out in the garden, even when he would go for walks he would pick a daisy along the way and bring it back….This man for the first time is doing things for me. He loves me.

Melissa: Do you have any piece of advice that you would like to offer to a woman who might be living in a plural marriage but would like to get out?

Irene: I would tell her first and foremost to stop living in denial and to start looking within herself. Each and every one of us has the answers that we need. God gives us little winks and nudges I call them. And we know what’s right for us and when we allow ourselves to be taken over and live someone else’s script that’s when we get lost in the shuffle. Don’t ever listen to anyone else and think that what they have to offer you is better than what you want for yourself.

Melissa: I read that you became a born again Christian after attending church with your son which was wonderful to read!

Irene: I just give glory to God, because when I got saved God actually removed all the pain from me. He has given me peace and joy and I’m happy every day.

Please check out Irene’s new book, Shattered Dreams, published by Hachette Book Group to read this remarkable story of one woman’s journey out of the grips of polygamy.

Coming Soon from Hachette Book Group!

2007-09-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

October is going to be a great month for new releases! Check out this selected list of coming soon books and let us know what you think!

Snog: A Puppy's Guide to Love
by Rachael Hale
A beautifully photographed ode to puppies, including some of Rachael Hale's most endearing images yet. (Little, Brown and Company, Hardcover, Photography/Pets, $24.99, ISBN: 0-316-00295-X / 978-0-316-00295-0)

You're All That!: Understand God's Design for Your Life
by Paula White
Renowned speaker Paula White equips readers to conquer pain and build a strong sense of self through principles that have transformed her own life. (FaithWords, Hardcover, Christian Living, $21.99, ISBN: 0-446-58023-6 / 978-0-446-58023-6)

Any Day With Hair Is A Good Hair Day: How to Get Through Cancer and Get On with Your Life (Trust Me, I've Been There)
by Michelle Rapkin

Cancer survivor Michelle Rapkin offers a practical and inspirational guide for those battling the disease, packed with the vital information readers can't get from their doctors. (Center Street, Paperback, Health & Fitness, $14.99, ISBN: 1-59995-705-1 / 978-1-59995-705-0)

For more book review updates, sign up for http://www.getchicmail.com at http://www.ChicBlvd.com

Still Summer

2007-08-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Still Summer
By: Jacquelyn Mitchard
Warner Books- Hachette Books Group USA
August, 2007

If you are looking for a book that is filled with action, adventure, suspense and romance then Still Summer is exactly what you are looking for! Jacqueline Mitchard, the New York Times Bestselling Author, has done a fabulous job weaving a tail of intrigue and suspense in this breathtaking novel.
Still Summer takes us on an adventure on the high seas as a group of women reunite with one of their lifelong friends who has been living in Europe for many years. To commemorate her return home they decide to take a chartered cruise where they can enjoy fun in the sun and catch up with one another again. When a sudden turn of events leaves them stranded out in the middle of the ocean, these women find out what true friendship is, what it takes to survive, and just how strong they really are.
Still Summer is one of those books that is really hard to put down. The suspense will keep you turning pages one after the other until, before you know it, you are finished with the book! I would recommend Still Summer to anyone who is looking for an exciting book to read during these last hot summer days!

The Elevator

2007-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Elevator
By: Angela Hunt
Publisher: Steeple Hill Books 2007

The Elevator by Angela Hill is one of those books that you simply can't put down once you start reading it!
The cast of characters draw you in right away and as the plot thickens your interest level will rise.
It's the story of a nightmare come true...three women trapped in an elevator during a terrible storm. There is Gina, the wife and mother who is dealing with a bad marriage on her hands...Michelle, the successful business woman whose love life is finally starting to make sense, and there is Isabel, the cleaning woman with a tumultuous past. No one would think they had anything in common but these three have more in common then they could possibly imagine!
This book would be a great pick for someone looking for an exciting summer fiction read. My only warning is...if you start this book you won't be able to put it down until you finish it!

Miracles of Motherhood

2007-07-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Miracles of Motherhood: Prayers and Poems For a New Mother
By: June Cotner
Center Street-A Division of Hachette Book Group 2007

Miracles of Motherhood is a delightful collection of prayers and poems for a new mom. The sections of the book progress from Pregnancy to Toddlerhood and everything in between. This book would make a perfect baby shower gift! The prayers and poems are truly heartfelt and comforting! The format is wonderful and even includes an inscription page for personalizing this beautiful gift. Miracles of Motherhood is the kind of book you will want to keep forever and would make a perfect gift to hand down from mother to daughter as a special family keepsake. I would recommend this book to any woman who has recently become a new mom or will be soon!

Why I Wore Lipstick: to My Mastectomy

2007-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Why I Wore Lipstick: to My Mastectomy
By: Geralyn Lucas

St. Martin’s Griffin 2004

Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy is a book that makes you really think. It is a story about a beautiful woman who comes up against one of those challenges in life that has the ability to break a person yet she handles it with grace and beauty.
In this memoir, Geralyn Lucas reminds us that we have a choice when it comes to dealing with our struggles. Instead of just giving up when she learned she had breast cancer, she decided to accept the challenge that life had thrown her way.
At times this book will make you laugh, at times it will make you cry and I guarantee you will feel every range of emotion in between. The reader will also be left asking the questions, “Could this happen to me?”, and “Would I or could I be as brave as this amazing woman?”
While Geralyn’s story is one of overcoming breast cancer, it is also very applicable to any struggle that women face. It is a story of courage and the will to survive and how a person’s attitude about a situation can make or break the outcome.
I know that I will never be the same again after reading this book and I would expect the same would be true for any woman who reads this amazing story.

The Redemption of Sarah Cain

2007-06-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Redemption of Sarah Cain
By: Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers 2000

The Redemption of Sarah Cain is a remarkable story about a modern woman named Sarah who is taken completely by surprise when she receives a call informing her that her older sister has passed away and she has been named caretaker for all 5 of her sister’s children. In addition to this, the children have grown up Amish and Sarah’s sister desires that they remain in an Amish community. Sarah is caught at a crossroads…what should she do? She is a modern, successful woman with a career in real estate and a life in Oregon…How will she take on the responsibility for 5 Amish children in Pennsylvania?
In this warm story we journey with Sarah as she tackles some of the hardest decision making she will ever have to face.
This book was originally released in 2000, and sold over 400,000 copies since that time! The Redemption of Sarah Cain has been re-released in a special movie edition with pictures from the filming of the upcoming movie release by Michael Landon Jr./FoxFaith. The movie is scheduled to be released in August 2007.
This book is perfect for any woman who has ever struggled between what she wants to do and what seems to be the right thing to do. Regardless of your place in life, this book is sure to teach anyone who reads it about patience, love and God’s timing.

Celebrated Weekends

2007-06-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrated Weekends
By: Mark Seal
Rutledge Hill Press (A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2007

With summer upon us it may be time to start planning that weekend getaway! If you are tired of always going to the same place, or you just have no idea where in the world you should go then Celebrated Weekends-The Stars’ Guide to the most exciting destinations in the world may be just the book for you!
This book by Mark Seal introduces us to the favorite destinations of our favorite stars from Kevin Costner to Kiefer Sutherland. Some of the destinations are local US spots such as Austin, TX chosen by Dennis Quaid or New York City chosen by Brooke Shields, while others are more exotic choices such as Jamaica chosen by Naomi Campbell and Madrid chosen by Penelope Cruz.
Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway or a long, relaxing vacation you are sure to find what you are looking for in the pages of this book.
The great thing about this book is that the stars themselves document for us what a weekend in their chosen location might look like. We get introduced to famous hot spots and local attractions. At the end of each chapter there is a list of “essentials” suggested by the stars which can include lodging, dining, shopping, and nightlife options.
This book would make a great gift for that person who is always looking for the next hot vacation spot or would be a great reference book to keep in your library for vacation planning!

Back To The Family

2007-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Back To The Family
By: Art Smith with Michael Smith
Rutledge Hill Press-A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers 2007

Back To the Family is a delightful cookbook by Art Smith who is a personal chef to Oprah Winfrey as well as a best-selling author. This is no ordinary cookbook filled with pages and pages of impersonal recipes and instructions, Back To the Family is sure to warm your heart right from the first chapter. The book begins with a section dedicated to families, both relatives and those families that we find in the world as we move and find new friends and share new experiences. Throughout the entire book are inspiring, family-oriented quotes by such beloved people as Ralph Waldo Emerson and William Wordsworth…all that, and I haven’t even mentioned the food yet!
The recipes in this book are mouth-watering and if you don’t believe me just take a look at the pictures that are interspersed throughout the book! The recipes are not too difficult to follow and you will be able to find recipes for any occasion…everything from a great Sangria recipe to Clam Chowder, to German Chocolate Cake and everything in between!
If you are looking for the newest “must have” for your kitchen collection this is the right cookbook for you!

Making Peace With Your Mom

2007-05-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Making Peace With Your Mom: Steps to a Healthier Mother-Daughter Relationship
By: H. Norman Wright & Sheryl Wright Macauley
Bethany House Publishers 2007

Making Peace With Your Mom is one of those books that will change you. It is more than just a book about your relationship with your mother, it is a book about how to take whatever type of relationship you might have with your mother and learn from it, grow from it, or change it if necessary.
The authors conducted a national survey of women about their relationships with their mothers and their stories are documented in the pages of this book. In addition to these stories and the advice given, this book serves and a guided journal where you will document everything from how you would describe your relationship with your mother to your earliest and latest memories of her to “rules” that your mother taught you.
Making Peace With Your Mom is an interactive book that will leave you feeling like you just received months of personal counseling sessions with the authors. This is a book that you will want to take your time reading and will want to make sure you fill out all the journaling sections in order to get the most from your reading.
If you have read any of H. Norman Wright’s other books you will recognize the friendly way in which he deals with rather sensitive topics. Whether you are reading the section on Styles of Mothering or Dealing with Anger, you are sure to not only learn quite a bit, but you will feel as though the author is genuinely trying to help you sort through the issues that are causing distress in your mother/daughter relationship.
This book is a must read for any woman who has ever wanted to strengthen her relationship with her mother and needs direction on how to do so.

The Blonde Theory

2007-05-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Blonde Theory
By: Kristin Harmel
Warner Books/ 5 Spot: February 2007

The Blonde Theory was a very refreshing fiction book that I enjoyed immensely. The book takes place in New York where we meet Harper Roberts, a successful lawyer who has everything going for her except for one thing…she can’t seem to find a man who loves her for who she is! As a lawyer she finds that most men are afraid to date her because of her status. After discussing this with her friends she decides to conduct an experiment. Harper will transform herself into a “dumb blonde” and post a profile on a local dating site to see if she gets a good response. Well, Harper does get quite a response for her profile and this hilarious book documents all the ups and downs of her dating adventure.
This fun comedy is appropriate for any woman who has ever been frustrated with her dating life and wondered whether or not things would be different if she could only she could be someone else. With true to life dialogue, characters that you can’t help but relate to, and a great storyline, this book is a must read for your list! While I myself am not a blonde, I related to Harper’s plight and I think that any woman who has ever struggled with finding Mr. Right will get lots of laughs from this book and will find herself saying “That sounds familiar!” many times!

It's Always Darkest Before the Fridge Door Opens

2007-04-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

It’s Always Darkest Before the Fridge Door Opens: Finding Joy in the Cold Places of Life
By: Martha Bolton and Phil Callaway
Bethany House Publishers 2006

It’s Always Darkest Before the Fridge Door Opens (Finding Joy in the Cold Places of Life) was a delightful read. The book brings much needed humor to some of life’s more serious problems. Whether you are feeling overworked, underpaid or unappreciated, this book is sure to turn your frown into a smile with the wit and humor that only could come from Martha Bolton and Phil Callaway. I can’t even look at the front cover of this book without smiling!
The book is divided into 5 parts: Fridge Magnets (Bringing Joy Back to Life), Smelly Cheese (I Could Cope with the World if it Wasn’t for People), Chill First, Then Serve (You Can’t Be a Smart Cookie if You Have a Crummy Attitude), Empty Shelves (Overworked, Overstressed, Overwhelmed, and Underappreciated-and That’s the Good News), and Just Desserts (The Best is Yet to Come).
While all of these sections are great, my favorite was Smelly Cheese (I Could Cope with the World if it Wasn't for People). With charts such as the Desirable Friend Versus the Undesirable Friend and the list of "Socially Acceptable Ways to Get Even With Mean and Nasty People in Your Life" you are sure to be cracking up in no time!
Each of these 5 sections is jam packed with fabulous humor as well as great insight into how to deal with the every day problems that come with life. The book served as a great reminder that sometimes the best thing we can possibly do in a situation is find a reason to laugh!
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little help putting a smile back on their face :)

You Can Do It!

2007-04-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

You Can Do It!: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
By: Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas
Chronicle Books 2005

Have you ever wanted to start a rock band? How about learn to sew? Maybe you have always wanted to travel to a far away place. Regardless of what your dream is, “You Can Do It!” is sure to have a step-by-step outline of how!
“You Can Do It: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls” was the vision of Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas who was often described as a “grown-up Girl Scout”. She wanted to teach other women how to follow their dreams and encourage them to try new things. Lauren had begun work on this book one year prior to her tragic death on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 and the book was completed by others and released in 2005.
The primary focus of this book is to give women the basic first steps in accomplishing any creative or adventurous task. The layout of the book is user-friendly and easy to follow. Each chapter starts with an “Imagine This” intro that entices the reader to explore a new idea. Next is “The Payoffs” which list the wonderful things the reader will gain by taking on this new adventure. The “Meet Your Mentor” section of each chapter, where an expert in the field is introduced, is very encouraging and is my favorite part of the book! The fourth section of the book is the “Badge Steps” which takes you step by step through the process of the accomplishment you choose to pursue. “Beyond the Badge” is for those who decide to go beyond the basics and dive in to more advanced study or practice! At the end of each chapter is a resource guide of books, websites and other items of interest suggested by the mentor.
There is a companion workbook available for purchase with the book in which you can document your dreams along the way! The workbook is full of inspirational quotes and suggestions on new ideas and fun things to try!
This book would make a great gift for any woman who wants to get the most out of life and the proceeds are donated to the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation which supports charitable causes and scholarships for women. “You Can Do It” along with the companion workbook are sure to turn the modern, everyday woman into a real renaissance gal!

Women, Get Answers About Your Money

2007-04-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Women, Get Answers About Your Money
(Because there are no dumb questions about personal finance)

By: Carolyn Castleberry
Multnomah Publishers 2006

Carolyn Castleberry has done it again and created a financial planning masterpiece that is truly user friendly. Women, Get Answers About Your Money is her follow-up book to Women, Take Charge Of Your Money. Carolyn is a well-known Christian broadcaster whose personal financial experiences led her to help others. Women, Get Answers About Your Money answers questions regarding personal finance. Not being a particularly financial savvy woman I was a little intimidated by this book before reading, yet after finishing it I feel like I have a plan for my future in place! The book is divided into three sections: Before You Invest, Consider Your Field of Investment, and Smile at Your Future all of which contain advice that would take years of experience to learn on one’s own.
This book really serves two distinct purposes. First of all, it is a common sense guide to finances for those of us who are challenged in this area as well as those who know what they are doing yet need a second opinion. Secondly, this book is a personal financial planner. By the time you are done with section one you will have all sorts of useful information such as: your net worth, your income to debt ratio, and among other things you can have a sound budget in place. The easy to read format and helpful worksheets that are contained in the book make you feel like the author is sitting in your living room coaching you along your financial journey.
Section two outlines investment opportunities ranging from stocks and bonds to creating your own business. There is an entire chapter dedicated to real estate investment, which will have the novice feeling like a pro in no time.
Section three is dedicated to retirement planning. Everything from estate planning to IRA accounts and 401 (k) accounts are explained in detail. Carolyn lets the reader know that it is never too early or too late to get started on saving for retirement.
Women, Get Answers About Your Money is the answer for many women who struggle with how to handle their finances. Even if you feel overwhelmed by the topic of financial planning I would highly recommend you get a copy of this book.