NetGalley Reviewer nix21230

This is a step by step guide on how to approach launching a new business with the help of a structured process. It includes carrying out proper analysis of potential customer segments, what they want and what they are prepared to pay. Russell encourages the reader to take the risk out of risk-taking and his Five Step High-Profit Launch System does just that - provided you carry out all steps!!! There is quite a lot of work required to complete the five steps, and it is not a fast process that you'll be able to do in a few weeks - expect it to take 6-12 months, depending on your own skills (and time!) and access to money and external resources.  Russell generously shares his extensive knowledge of customer and market behaviours, potential pitfalls, and he is a great "coach" to have one the journey setting up a new business, or launching a new product/service for an established business. This is one of very few books where I wished I had a printed copy, with wide margins t...

I requested this book as I was pulled in by the eye catching front cover design and the title of the book. Finally a chance to get an insight into what other women want! I was also hoping that the book would be written in a way that it would be meaningful to buy copies for my male friends so they could understand the needs of women and what we are really looking for.  The book is well written, and shares stories of seven different women who all have been in psychotherapy with Maxine Mei-Fung Chung for shorter or longer times. It gives a good description of the interaction between the women seeking help and the professional and how the sessions help them to develop as persons, and in some cases reclaim their own personalities. There is plenty of detail and I liked how Maxine Mei-Fung Chung guides the clients through the sessions with tender probing and open questions. It was not at all what I expected; perhaps I read the synopsis too quickly and misunderstood the content. ...

I really struggled getting into this book, waiting for a story line to kick off and start flowing. There was nothing of that, but instead what felt like snippets of smaller stories, sort of connected but still not, and they were not really making any sense. I was very close quite a few times to not finishing the book, but as I had been given a free copy to review, I persevered - the strong reviewer duty took over.  Having finished reading the book, I must say it's clever, convoluted and with a very unexpected ending. If you do have the time and the patience, it's worth a read. #TheHouseontheLake #NetGalley

It may be true that " Sailing is going nowhere, slowly, and at great expense" , but this book is definitely going places, and at great speed! Becca Larkin is in the final stages of her divorce from her husband of more than 20 years. After Becca is refusing to contest the prenup, the judge awards her a sailing yacht named after her. Sailing has never really been her thing; her ex husband is however very fond of the yacht...  With the help of the good looking, Irish sailing instructor Grant Murphy, she quickly manages to find a buyer, but the yacht has to be delivered seventeen hundred miles away. Becca decides to do the trip herself, together with her daughter Liv; a great bonding opportunity for them both.  After a while it becomes clear that even if Liv has formal sailing experience, they are way behind schedule and they need to find help. Kelly Harms has written a fantastic story about mother and daughter relationship, second chances and bravery; to keep on going even w...

This book is your wakeup call, to stop living a half-life; to instead see possibilities and opportunities for learning rather than risks, to get your priorities right (and it ain't getting more likes on Instagram), and to being grateful for what you already have.  Or in Lindner's own words: "The Half-Known Life challenges conventional thinking about success, identity, and personal change. It’s about what’s real and exploring answers to the right questions, perhaps allowing you a different life perspective and helping you to take the first step toward change." As Lindner sets out very clearly in his book, our 'priorities change when time becomes precious'. With limited time left, we typically reevaluate what's important. Why not do it now? Before you have a time limit to your life? The book is jam packed with the wisdom gathered by Lindner after his two cardiac arrests, and various coaching discussions with his clients (who he doesn't always agree with ...

Amazing feel-good, inspirational story, based on a young woman, Alex, getting a serious medical diagnosis. It may sound like a lot of doom and gloom, but it really isn't. It's a beautiful story, filled of supportive friendships and inspirational hope. To take a break and come to terms (hopefully!) with her medical condition, Alex embarks on an impulsive journey using a bucket list she created with her younger sister many years ago. Once back from the trip a few weeks later, she is ready to face reality, surrounded by her family, friends and colleagues (who are more like friends) and a new found love.  Highly recommended; this is a fantastic book for escaping the world for a few hours.  #Happyish #NetGalley

Travel writing, inspirational and humour all mixed together; and what a better place to cover than beloved Cornwall!  Grant, a disgruntled photography teacher based in the US, lets faith decide where he's going on holiday and ends up booking a solo walking holiday along parts of the Cornish coast in the UK. The travel organiser books small B&B's along the route and also arranges for Grant's luggage to seamlessly arrive at the next destination. All Grant has to do is walk; or catch the bus... This is as much about the beautiful coastal path in Cornwall, as it is about Grant taking a thorough look at his own life and figuring out what he really wants to do. Some of that decision is taken from him, but he finds a way.   Thank you for an amazingly entertaining book.  PS. I don't usually comment on other reviews, but having seen one mentioning lots of swearing and the f-bomb, and taking off TWO stars for that, I did a search and I only found ONE location with anything...

This is a book I'd highly recommend you read. I also believe it would be great as a discussion starter for a group of close friends (or complete strangers!). It is a very poignant, and sometimes hard to read book, but full of small nuggets which will have something for everyone to be aware of and to incorporate in daily life before it's too late. It's about choosing life rather than fearing dying.  Having thoroughly enjoyed the books by Kathryn Mannix on tender conversations with the end in mind and how to actively listen, I was thoroughly looking forward to reading Regrets of the Dying by Georgina Scull as I was hoping to pick up a few ideas of what I may be able to tweak in my own life to ensure there are no(t so many) regrets at the end. The book is divided into five main sections - Work, Friends & Family, Love, Hard Decisions, Reflections - each consisting of a few stories loosely connected to that theme. At the very end of the book Georgina Scull is sharing her ow...

Tammy Plunkett has written an immensely important book about gender identification, the struggles families encounter and the joy of eventually getting it right and having a happy, confident and mature teenager as part of the family.  This is so much more than an "essential guide for parents of trans children"; it's a book for ALL adults, for all of us who find the whole vocabulary around cis gender, trans gender, gender fluid, gender queer, non-binary, etc confusing. Knowing the difference between the descriptions should be considered general knowledge, more so than who's who on Love Island !  It's shocking that she even has to point out that "Gender diversity is not a mental illness"!  She shares the journey they went on as a family when one of the children came out as transgender, how they all experienced a steep learning curve (the adults probably more so than the children!), how they lost a few friends along the way but made MANY more, and how there ...

A fictional book about Hope Carpenter who has spent most of her life raising four children (all now flown the nest) and running the household whilst her husband Rick has been working. After Rick is strongly encouraged to take early retirement, the dynamics between Hope and Rick change. With the medical insurance expiring, Hope decides to look for paid work outside of the home and she manages to secure a teaching position at a local women's prison.  As she says,  “What’s motherhood besides a two-decade-long teaching gig?” To find out more about the story in this book, head over to Amazon or Goodreads as there are plenty of reviews. I, on the other hand, am more interested to share things that caught my eyes when reading this book and in true Marie Bostwick style, there are quite a few life lessons and nuggets of wisdom interspersed in the story. As my readers know by now, I like highlighting interesting, informative, fun, intriguing or even weird sections whilst reading. Below ...

During tender conversations, the task is not to solve, but to simply listen. Title: Listen: How to find the words for tender conversations  Author: Kathryn Mannix  Mannix is providing so many life lessons in this packed book, all focused on tender listening and putting others at the forefront. She freely shares her many years of experience from working in palliative care including the use of CBT techniques in tender conversations. The book also includes a bit of a plea to all of us to prepare for the time when we're approaching the end of this life, to ensure practicalities like power of attorney is in place.  Mannix uses 'tender conversations' to describe sensitive and respectful conversations; yes there may be some pain involved, but the pain doesn't' need to be overcome, but rather acknowledge, by being fully present.  "It's stories, not rules, that change people" By asking curious questions during tender conversations we can seek, explore and clari...

Title: Conscious Crafts: Quilting - 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart and hands Author: Elli Beaven Introduction section:   I fully agree with Elli Beaven's statement about how quilting is a perfect escape from a busy life including work and family; a chance for some 'me time'. Using words like conscious and mindful in the title of this book, I am hoping many more will discover quilting and take up this amazing hobby. It a fabulous craft combining artistic and mathematical skills.  Tools, equipments and techniques sections:  This section of the book contains lots of useful tips and tricks, all presented in a straight forward and easy to understand way. The projects section:  I like the fact that the projects are starting out as rather quick and easy to then get more complicated and time consuming. A perfect step by step progression from simple coasters via cushions to full sized quilts. Beginners would benefit from doing all the projects in the book, whe...

Title: Looking for the Durrells  Author: Melanie Hewitt People focused, inspiring and uplifting expose of Corfu through the eyes of Penny, a solo traveller inspired by the stories written by Gerald and Margaret Durrell*, and turned into a TV series by ITV.  Despair, hope and happiness lovely intermingle in this exquisite tale of the places mentioned in the original books written by the Durrells, bringing them and Corfu to life in an amazing story where it feels like one ought to look up and be right with Penny, Tess, Theo, Guy and the other strong characters portrayed in the book, rather than at home in a drab Blighty. Spurred on by the death of her father and a broken engagement, Penny sets off to Corfu with her sketch pad and a lonely heart. During her stay, and with the help of the people she meets and gets inspired by, she slowly finds joy in her life again.  An excellent read to allow us to dream of foreign holidays, soul searching, friendships and a relaxed lifestyl...

Title: You're Kind of a Big Deal: Level Up by Unlocking Your Audacity  Author: Erin King  This is a pep-talk book extra-extraordinaire with über enthusiastic coach Erin King. Mixing humour and real-life examples she's on a mission getting women to unlock their audacity and take their rightful place in today's (still) male dominated world.    Quote from the book: "This book is about preparing, evaluating, and daring to make the decision to turn up your volume, your truth, your bravery, your conviction, your drive, or whatever it is you need in that moment." The book is full of little nuggets of wisdom to help women be more sure of themselves, take more space, go for what they want. Instead of being beautiful, kind and compassionate (the top three positive traits for women according to a study cited by King) they should be allowed to be a leader, ambitious and strong, just like the top traits for a man in the same study.  Some of Erin King's crackin...

Title: Become Inspired : Next Steps : A Simple but Powerful Guide to Shifting Your Mindset, Sparking Inspiration, and Reaching your Goals in Only 11 Weeks By: Jay Styles In my view, this is an entry-level book for those looking to become inspired and develop habits to ensure a fulfilling life.  Styles has an easy-going way of sharing his own setbacks and challenges, as well as those of his guests in the Become Inspired series on Amazon Prime.  The hands-on exercises, provided at the end of each chapter, are clear and easy to follow.  Short and sweet book providing a great introduction. Available to pre-order on Amazon now; release date is 9 August 2021 - LINK TO ORDER #becomeinspiredyournextsteps #netgalley

Knowledge and honesty build your credibility  Title: Twelve Golden Threads: Lessons for successful living from Grama’s quilt Author: Aliske Webb Depending on your background and stage in life, you may enjoy it as a pure fiction book or as a tongue-in-cheek self-help book bringing clarity to some of the common buzz words used in many management books. The book sets out twelve lessons for how to create a successful and fulfilling life, using quilting as a metaphor. The twelve golden threads are: Make a commitment Set a goal Plan your work and work your plan Always do quality work Take responsibility and be response-able Make learning a lifelong habit Cooperate Contribute and make a difference Persevere through the though times Communicate effectively Live with integrity Celebrate life There is also a golden needle, which you'll find out if you read the book. The book is FULL of great little life lessons, memorable sayings and intriguing ideas for how you can make your life more meani...

"We’re on a financial Titanic" Title: Smart bitches buy bitcoin  Authors: Branden LaNette and Andrea Waltz  OK, first things first... the use of the word 'bitches' didn't sit well with me, at all, but the authors explained they used it to describe an empowered, assertive woman and that we should think of a female wolf (not dog), hmmmm... unfortunately this makes me think of the film The Wolf of Wall Street  which did not portray women as empowered or assertive! Let's move on... My main message after having read this book - BUY IT AND READ IT! The book is full of useful facts, all presented in an engaging and fun way - yes, a book on finance which is actually enjoyable to read and easy to understand!  In my view understanding the basics of bitcoin (and the wider topic of personal finances) should be taught at school, as part of the general knowledge we all should have. Bitcoin is not going away and it may well be the key to our chance of true freedom and happin...

'if you want to be profitable, you must create quality in quantity' Title:  Writing a Book a Week: How to Write Quick Books Under the Self-Publishing Model Author: Alex Foster Short and sweet book with quite a few ideas on how to write a book in a week, or even less.  To succeed, Foster suggests a rather regimented structure to the week with dedicated creative, research, writing, and editing days. Also, just writing one or two books won't give you any success; instead the suggestion is to aim for quantity, but still with great quality .  Never confuse effort and time with results when it comes to writing. Foster also provides ideas on how to market the book ; after all, writing is the easy part whereas ensuring it is seen and bought by people is partly in the hands of the algorithms on e.g. Amazon. 

'The new freedom is flipping a switch in your mind that makes you happy regardless of the money you have' Title: The New Freedom: Ordinary People Are Living Extraordinary Lives & So Can You!  Author: Rob Cubbon Cubbon's writing is thought provoking and with Covid 19 already having changed the working life for many of use, I'd be surprised of not more and more people are re-thinking the balance and priority between work, family and play; I already have. Is it really money that you want, or is it happiness? Is it possessions you want, or freedom from your attachment to them?  As Cubbon puts it, there are two sides to financial freedom: earning more and spending less.  Location independent work, digital nomads, mindset change, importance of fitness and affirmation, networking and being happy are all part of Cubbons view of the new freedom.  Lots of ideas for anyone who's considering stepping away from the rat race. 

"Travel teaches you to see all the angles. To gain something: be it knowledge, perspective, appreciation, or an intense emotion" Title: KILIMANJARO: Into the Self   (Book Two of the 7 Summits to Success Series) Author: Sean Swarner This is the second inspirational self-help book written by adventurer and cancer survivor Seam Swarner, with practical steps outlined by Lance Snow. As I stated in the review of the first book, I read this book after having taken part in one of Swarmer's online talks and Q&A sessions and I really enjoyed finding out more about his journey; and how he already early on in life had the mindset of keeping going and always looking for the positives.  "How do I help others when I have to help myself first? This, I know now, was the question of my trip. I call it the oxygen-mask conundrum. You philosophically and intellectually know that you should put on your mask first, in fact that you must, or else you’ll be hard pressed to help anyone be...