TWW's Book Review: Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor

A year ago I stopped writing book reviews, and I didn't ever think that I would want to write another review again. While I have been still reading, most of the books, short stories, and dare I say novels have been less than what I would call worth writing about, until today.

Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor had just what it took to help turn me around and want to share my thoughts on what I am reading.

A short story, just 98 pages, I was able to read this in about two hours! In fact, when I got to the end and looked at the clock, I was surprised that only two hours had past because I was swept into the story from the first page. I had no idea this book was even under 100 pages until well after the fact. Nevertheless, the story was not limited by the number of pages.

What I liked about Italian Christmas Proposal is how I was so in tune with the characters. I could see myself ending up in a similar situation as Claire. I actually saw a lot of me within her. And with the introduction of Leo, who is nothing like you would imagine, the story took on that traditional romantic feel that one would expect, but yet not.

Unlike other stories about finding love while in another country, Italian Christmas Proposal had me wanting to interact with everyone, up to and including drop kicking her "ex" six ways to Sunday! And for this reason, I took it as the sign I was looking for to make me realize that there are still books out there worth reading. Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor was definitely a winner in my eyes.

Put this one on your Christmas To Read List. You'll enjoy this one! Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Autumn

I love this time of year. It is the season of change, with beautiful colors and falling leaves. Warm, sunny days  followed by cold, crisp nights to help us sleep. The days are getting shorter and all I want to do is put on a comfy sweater, leggings with fluffy socks and get cozy under a blanket while reading a good book. It's been a long time since I did that. 

Autumn is more than just the weather though. It is the time to celebrate the harvest and express our gratitude for the bounty provided. While we finish some of those projects, we also want to pause and find our balance. We need to slow down and rest because we have been working so hard.

More than ever, we should be asking for blessings, meditating and praying for peace and stability. Use Autumn as to not only reflect back on the past year, but also your life. Dream a little, be diligent and actually plan for your future. There is nothing wrong with having some goals, but remember, you need to stick to your plans to make those dreams a reality.

In the meantime, celebrate all of your successes. Give thanks to those who have helped you and don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back for making it through. Seek to bring balance into your life. You will rest easier and be more happy.

Wishing you moments to enjoy autumn!

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with all your writing needs!

The Power of Words

The power of words are truly amazing. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword, but what about the words that come out of our mouths. They are just as mighty, but more often than not, they are deadly. Poised to strike without even knowing the damage they inflict.

By no means am I perfect, but let's face it, words can be cruel when there is no thought behind them. When said in anger, the receiver will no doubt be made to feel awful and shut down, or feel angry and offer a few angry words in retort. 

Over the years, I have been on the receiving end of cruel words and comments. They cut so deep, practically down to the soul. Wounded and broken, it's hard to get up some days. It's like a verbal plague that won't go away. Is there a cure? Perhaps...maybe we should just stop listening? Sounds easy and it works for awhile, but whether it is by accident or intent, sometimes those harsh words always find a way to creep back in.

The power of words...the POWER of words...here is some power for you:

Your soul is you. Never...EVER...let words cut into your soul!

Wishing you moments to think before you speak.

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Addictions

For some people, serious addictions can cause one's life to go spinning out of control. When all you can think about is that one "thing" (or maybe it's more than one), and it keeps you from sleeping, eating, having relationships, spending time with family or friends, and yes...do I dare say this...work, then you truly know you have been completely consumed by an uncontrollable urge that requires more than just letting go. Unfortunately, at this point, about the only thing that can save you is checking yourself into rehab for some serious treatment.

But what about those inclinations that are not life threatening. Those little fixations that keep us going on the journey of life, feed our souls, bring us peace and help us breathe when the weight of the world is pressing down on you. Are these things really all that serious to make you concerned? Do they cause our lives to spin out of control? Or are they really just a little something, something that make it easier to get through the day? 

What would happen if you could no longer have those fixes? Would you be able to get through the day? Would your life be less whole? Would you wake up one morning and realize you were a shadow of your former self? Would you recognize the person in the mirror staring back at you? 

Perhaps these cravings are not really addictions after all. Maybe, they are the lifeblood that keeps you alive. And when they go missing, you lose yourself. You turn into something unrecognizable. But deep down you know your true identity is still lurking...waiting for the day when you wake up and tell yourself that you can't do this any more.

When your life has been consumed by something that leads you down the path of destruction, then seek help. But when your soul has been stripped of the essence that makes you whole, and you know that those "addictions" are going to be what it takes to fix it, then stop the ride. Take some time to step back and think about when life was really sweet. And when you find what it is that you lost, grab onto them tightly because these are what you need in order to put the pieces of your life back together. Bring them back slowly...deliberately...using great care. This is the time to heal. Nothing of greatness ever comes when it is rushed. Life is too precious to ramrod the process through quickly. Savor it.

Remember, there are a few "addictions" that are not really bad. Some, in fact, are truly wonderful. You just need to remind yourself that there was a reason why they became a part of you to begin with; and now that you know, you'll never let them go again.

I know what my "addictions are", do you?

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

My Personal Space

When asked about what defines my personal space, I am more inclined to ask myself, who am I? Because who I am is what defines my personal space. 

I am a woman of many interests. 

Firstly, my personal space is filled with books because I love to read. So much so, I am out of room. I have since turned to using a Kindle, but now I have two of them. It used to be three, but I broke one. I also have the Kindle app for my tablet and my laptop. You could say that I just can't get enough books!

Secondly, my personal space is filled with technology...three laptops, a tablet, and the aforementioned Kindles. Not to mention a huge flat screen television, a blue ray disc player and a tape player. Also amidst all this is a cd player, a couple of mp3 players and a gaggle of accessories. Now I don't use all of them at the same time, but I do use them. Sometimes I think I will go out of my mind with all this technology.

Thirdly, my personal space is filled with camera equipment. While there isn't as much of it right now because I am just getting started, I still need to have it out to remind me to use it. Sometimes I get so caught up in all of my personal space that I forget that I need to go outside and take photos. Take today for example. The bridge near my home is being shut down for a year. I've been saying all weekend I need to go out and take photos. I finally went out this afternoon, but my camera died on me. If I had been more proactive, I would have checked everything before I walked over there. Now I have to wait until I rest a bit before I can go back and take photos I should have taken earlier. 

Fourthly, my personal space is filled with gobs of research and inspiration reading materials. Have I gone through any of them yet. No! I just keep buying more in the hopes that I will, in fact, one day sit down and go through them to find something to write about. 

Fifthly, my personal space is filled with crafts including yarn for several baby blankets. I really need to finish these as I have more to make and I can't move forward until those are done. I guess I know what I am doing tomorrow!

And lastly, I have drawers filled with movies that make me happy. At this stage in my life, it is all about making me happy. I find comfort in the littlest things. If it comes in the form of a movie, I probably have it. I've seen many and buy the ones that I really have to watch more than once. So, if anyone is ever looking to get me a present, just ask me about some of my favorite movies and if I own it or not. These will always be a hit in my book.

My list of interests is great and I could probably write a book on them. But these will suffice for now as they truly define my personal space. For the most part, I am an introvert and tend to do things that are solitary in nature. While I do love to go out and be social from time to time, I tend to do things curled up in my space and enjoy my solitude. It helps me to recharge so I can go out and face the world.

Wishing you moments to enjoy your personal space!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Happy Labor Day!

On this day, we celebrate all who work for a living.

Those of you who put in your eight hours a day or more.

And for those of you who work as much as are able.

YOU should be honored.

Because it's you who keep our country moving.

Every day, all year long.

Enjoy your day of rest.

YOU deserve it. 

Wishing you moments to rest and relax!

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!