Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method Book Review

Book Title: Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method: The Weight-Loss Kick-Start that Makes Perfection Possible

Format: Hardcover
Publish Date: 9/20/2010
ISBN: 9780446562041

From the book cover: Did you know muscles get bored, just like people do? And did you also know that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that you're working the wrong muscles when you exercise? With Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method you don't have to worry - her unique workout and eating plan will help you drop the weight and shrink your body in no time.

What Did I think?
It is no secret to anyone that I am trying to lose weight. Ugh, the pounds don't seem to want to come off but they came on so easily! I was very excited to review Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method.

Fitness books are sometimes hard for me to follow but this one is laid out very nicely. The book has a very good step by step process for the exercises. The book also comes with a DVD which I have not tried yet. Tracy is very motivating in the book. After reading the first chapters, I was ready to dive into the exercises. Make no mistake, the exercises are hard and tiring. I am hoping to stick with them.

My favorite quote from the book is "Sweat is the only fairy dust". Many times we sit around hoping for change. We have to take action for change to happen. Change is hard, exercising is hard but it is worth it in the long run.

Tracy does include a 25 day meal plan and recipes in the book. I found the meal plan to be unrealistic for a normal family. It seemed to full of things that would not work for my family. Also it did not seem like a lot of food for a person to eat. In addition for the first 25 days, there are no substitutions in the meal plan.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I loved the motivation and I think that the exercises are good. This book has the potential to change your life if you can stick the plan.

**Thanks to Hatchette Book Group for the chance to review this book. No other compensation was given.**

New Giveaway ~ Double Trouble

I am very happy to tell you that a giveaway has been added to my Double Trouble book review post. I am giving away one copy of Double Trouble and a copy of Nothing But Trouble (1st book in the series) to one lucky person. Go to the Double Trouble review and leave a comment to enter.

Comments left on this post will not count.

Double Trouble Book Review & Contest Plus Giveaway

Susan May Warren is back with a second book about PJ Sugar. In Double Trouble , PJ is fighting the bad guys by throwing doughnuts and babysitting chinchillas.

About the book:
With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case—house-sitting for a witness in protective custody—Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.

My thoughts:
Witty and fun! Susan May Warren has a winner with PJ Sugar. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. PJ is a woman trying to find her way through life. She is funny and manages to create trouble wherever she goes. The book is a mystery but it is really funny too! At several points, I found myself laughing out loud.

I hope to see more of the Russians in the next book. They are very interesting characters and add depth to PJ sister's family. I especially became fond of Igor.

I had not read the first book in the series, Nothing But Trouble. I liked that this book can stand on it's own. There was just enough background provided about the characters but not an entire rehashing of the first book. Which is great since I plan on reading the first book too.

Double Trouble by Susan May Warren is published by Tyndale. I was provided a review copy of this book for free by Litfuse Publicity.

About the Author:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

Contest Time:
Be sure to enter the Double Trouble Prize Package Giveaway by clicking on the ‘Double the Sass” button! Susan’s giving away an iPod prize package that is anything but troubling! Check it out!

Double Trouble, the brand new PJ Sugar novel by Susan May Warren, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re running a HUMDINGER of a contest!!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 SUPER SLEUTH prize package that includes:

* A brand new iPod Shuffle (perfect for those all-night stakeouts)

* A $10 iTunes gift card (we recommend the ALIAS soundtrack)

* A $10 Amazon gift card (why yes, they do sell spy pens)

* A $10 Starbucks gift card (for fuel, obviously)

* A pair of designer sunglasses (be stealthy AND super chic)

* A gorgeous scarf from World Market (can also be used as a blindfold, and/or for tying up bad guys)

* AND signed copies of both Nothing But Trouble & Double Trouble. (romance! danger! intrigue! sooo much better than Surveillance for Dummies!)
Giveaway: Three people will win a copy of The Survivors Club by Ben Sherwood.
We’ll announce our super sleuth winner on March 1st.

Giveaway:
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, I have a copy of Double Trouble and a copy of Nothing But Trouble for one lucky reader!!

To Enter: Leave a comment below. Make sure to leave a email address if it is not in your profile.

Additional Entries: You can do any one or all of the following to earn extra entries. Please leave an additional comment for each that you have done.

• Follow my blog (see the left sidebar to sign up). Already a Follower, that counts too.

• Follow me on Twitter (current followers count)

• Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link.

• Subscribe to my blog (see left sidebar to sign up). Current subscribers count too.

• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post.

• Post my button on your blog and leave a link. Have my button already, that counts!

Giveaway is open to US residents only. No PO Boxes. The giveaway ends on Saturday February 27th at 11:59 CST. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Winner will be posted on this blog and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. Please make sure that you leave your email address in your comment or in your profile so you can receive your prize.

Review of Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan

One of my goals for 2010 is to get in better shape physically and lose weight. I was very excited to review the book: Totally Toned Arms: Get Michelle Obama Arms in 21 Days by Rylan Duggan. Seriously, Michelle Obama has the most awesome arms. No under the arm jiggle there!

I expected the book have great exercises for my arms. The big surprise is that about 1/4 of the book is about nutrition. There were some really great ideas on how to eat healthier. As I read through the book, I was impressed with the entire program that was put together by Ryan Duggan. All of the exercises have pictures showing the moves. I found this to be extremely helpful.

From the book cover:
Discover
• An effective 7 day quick start routine
• A simple, powerful workout plan for only 30 minutes a day
• Easy cardio and strength-training routines that benefit the whole body
• Essential diet secrets
• A maintenance plan that will keep you fit forever

The book price is very reasonably priced at $12.99. If you can't find it at your local bookstore then you can buy Totally Toned Arms on Amazon.

**Thanks to Anna at Hatchette Book Group for the opportunity to review this book. I did receive a book to review at no charge. **

Book Review: CODE 936

Looking for a great read? I just finished reading a new medical thrilller "Code 936 " by Bill Kimbrell. I found the book to be a fast paced adventure. From the beginning prologue, you are drawn into James Cantrill's world. James Cantrill is a hard working businessman who is unexpectedly fired. Does it have to do with the defective medical device? Who is behind it and why have his friends betrayed him? I throughly enjoyed the book!

From the back cover:
Powerfully evocative and steeped in international intrigue, CODE 936 is a riveting expose of the IRS tax code, corporate greed, medical fraud, torture, corporate corruption, and managed healthcare. It is also a story of love, undaunted courage, and a spirtual triumph.

About the Author:
Bill Kimbrell spent 31 years building his own surgical equipment business. Code 936 is his first novel. He grew up in Greenville, Mississippi and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. . During his career, he was appointed Ethics Chairman for the entire United States for his professional organization, a position he held for over twelve years. Long an advocate for integrity and ethical leadership, Mr. Kimbrell conducted ethics seminars across the country, which resulted in the first certified Code of Ethics in the medical device industry.

The book is available in paperback for $10.89 at Amazon .
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** I was provided a free review copy of this book. The thoughts presented are my own. **

Review of Take Your Best Shot by Austen Gutwein

Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein

Ages: 12-17

Price: $12.99

Put out by: Thomas Nelson

Buy		Read

I love the message in the book "Take Your Best Shot". Anyone can make a difference whether it is small or large. Austin Gutwein started with a goal to shoot baskets to raise money to help with AIDS in Africa. At nine years old, he started something that grew into Hoops for Hope and raised thousands of dollars.

Throughout the book, Austin encourages people to find their own calling. He challenges you to make a difference. I love how he talks about giving to someone is like throwing a boomerang. The giving circles around and comes back to you. This book would be great for tween and teens. Both of my kids are reading the book. What can you do to make a difference?

**This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Thomas Nelson for this review.**

Book Review ~ Morning Sunshine by Robin Meade

I am sure that you have seen Robin Meade on TV. She is the bubbly host of HLN's show, Morning Express with Robin Meade. Thanks to the Product Review Place and Hachette Book Group, I was offered the opportunity to review Morning Sunshine! How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too by Robin Meade.

I must admit that I could use some more confidence in my life. I am not a shy wallflower. But sometimes in a room with a bunch of people that I don't know, I can feel a little awkward. Robin Meade once struggled with self confidence too.

The book is so down to earth. I found myself saying "Yes, I do that!". With chapters such as "Begin the Breakthrough" and "Stop Judging Yourself", Robin starts you on your journey to being a more self-confident person. I love how she includes her personal stories throughout the book. I really enjoyed the book and I hope to use some of things that I learned!

Guys Are Waffles, Girls Are Spaghetti Book Review

Another great book review! I was thrilled to be asked by Thomas Nelson and Mama Buzz to review this book.

Guys are Waffles, Girls are Spaghetti
by
Chad Eastham
and Bill and Pam Farrel

Retails for $12.99
For Ages 12- 17

Book Synopsis from the back of the book
In this hilarious, yet amazingly insightful book, discover the secrets behind why guys and girls think and act so differently. Guys' brains have little compartments like a waffle, and there they keep most aspects of their lives separated. Girls brains are like spaghetti, because they tend to keep everything in their lives connected. Learn how to talk so a "waffle" will listen, and how to understand the "spaghetti-ish" conversations that you will encounter your entire life. Learning about waffles and spaghetti will make a difference in real-life issues like dating, sex, friendships, body language, and communication skills of every kind. So dig in for the insights you've been craving.

Buy		Read

I must say this very loudly "I Loved This Book!" When I first heard the title, I was curious how guys were like waffles and girls were like spaghetti. The book engaged me from Chapter One. It shows the differences between guys and girls with humor. I had quite a few laughs through the book.

The book is geared towards teenagers but adults could learn some things from this book too. It helps teenagers decode the messages from the opposite sex. The book does talk about dating and sex. I think that these chapters should be discussed with your teen. The book lead to some interesting and fun conversations with my daughter. She could relate things in the book to some of the boys in her class at school. I would recommend this book to teenagers and their parents. I think that the humorous approach will make it easier to get your teen to read the book.




*Disclosure: This book was provided to the Mama Buzz site and Mama Buzz reviewers, free of charge, in exchange for today's blog tour*

Book Review: Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado

As a mom of a teenage girl, I was very interested in reviewing the book "Redefining Beautiful : what God sees when God sees You" by Jenna Lucado. The book is published by Thomas Nelson and is geared towards 12 to 17 year olds. The book retails for $12.99. Jenna Lucado is the daughter of well known author, Max Lucado.

The book does a wonderful job of seeing the world through a teenager's eyes. Teenage girls are so concerned about how they look and what other people think of them. Self worth should not be defined by a magazine cover look. There are introspective quizzes and questions to try to get girls to think about their relationships and how they see themselves. Jenna talks about her relationship with her father and how that transfers into her relationship with God, her true father.

I loved that the book dealt with the everyday issues that teenage girls face today. Issues such as self esteem and dating. My daughter and I talk about this issues but it is great to have a book that she can read to help reinforce that she is loved for who she is. I recommend this book to teenage girls and moms of teenage girls. In today's fast paced world, girls need to be aware of their self worth and who they can really be when they have a relationship with God.

You can watch a video of Jenna Lucado talking about her book "Redefining Beautiful". Also I want to thank Thomas Nelson and Jenna Lucado for the opportunity to review the book.

"Great Games!" Book Review

Who doesn't love having a fun time with family or friends? Playing games is a great cheap way to have fun! My family loves playing games. So I was very excited to be chosen to review the book "Great Games! 175 Games & Activities For Families, Groups, and Children" by Matthew Toone. The book is filled with old time favorite games with new variations and new exciting games.


One of things that I love about this book is that all of games require minimal equipment. You can play all the games with things that you have laying around your house. The instructions are easy to read with step by step directions.

I was initially worried that I might not find fun games for my family in the book. Teenagers are a little harder to entertain. I was very happy to find some wonderful game ideas for my daughter's birthday party. I know that the Digital Scavenger Race will be a great hit at the party. Teenagers love to take pictures with their cell phones.

The "Great Games!" book really has games for all ages and abilities. Mini Bocce is fun game that even toddlers could play while games such as Duel of Words appeal to the older crowd. You can check out a sneak peek inside the book here.

If you are ready to have an exciting & cheap way to spend quality time with your family then you can purchase "Great Games! 175 Games & Activities For Families, Groups, and Children" at GreatGamesBook.com for a mere $15.95 .

Thanks to Matthew Toone for providing his book for my review. All opinions in this review are my own.