Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

Friday, December 5, 2025

Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough by Karin J. Lund-Self Help Book Review

Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough by Karin J. Lund  Banner

Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough

by Karin J. Lund

Synopsis:

Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough by Karin J. Lund

The Power of You Series

 

Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough is about celebrating your life, understanding and creating your value, while building confidence and resiliency.

The cover was designed with interlocking and layering lines to illustrate the many interrelated paths in our lives that give us the opportunity to change our direction at any time. This design reflects a journey toward self-reliance and resilience, encouraging us to embrace our true selves and build a strong inner foundation.

This is the book that will always remind you that:

YES-I MATTER, I AM ENOUGH.

Book Details:

Genre: YA Self-Help
Published by: G-Power Global Publishing
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Number of Pages: 241
ISBN: 9781949955125 (ISBN10: 1949955125)
Series:The Power of You Series
Book Links: Amazon | KindleUnlimited | BookBub | Goodreads

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.**** 


My Review

I was excited to read Yes-You Matter, You Are Enough by Karin J. Lund. Although written for teens, it's also very pertinent for adults. The messages in this book are so powerful. The format is quite unique, featuring a low word count on each page that shares a short, meaningful message that hits a punch. This type of format will appeal to teens who already have a lot of reading due to homework. I also liked how you can pick up the book, read a few pages, and get back to it later. 

Some of my favorite quotes are as follows...

-Everything that happens to you contains a message and a lesson if you learn to listen.

-Remember to tell yourself, "I am learning to love the sound of my feet walking away from things not meant for me." This means saying "NO" too.

-Surround yourself with people who are positive, who make you feel good about yourself, and who support you and care about you.

-Treasure the people who choose to stand beside you through all the ups and downs in life.

-The Universe is prepared to teach you and help you recognize something or someone that you need to meet and know.

It was hard to narrow my favorite quotes to only five, as I loved what was written in the book. It's positive, uplifting, and filled with messages to help you learn to love yourself and seek positive things and people around you. I highly recommend this book to all teens, as it offers excellent conversation starters between parents and children.

 Author Bio

Karin J. Lund

Karin J. Lund, Founder of G-Power Global Enterprises, works with corporations, universities, and non-profit groups, that want to embrace a compassionate, culture empowered, workplace environment. A culture that employees, and management, actively support, because the culture acknowledges personal and professional values, understands the importance of an inclusive work environment, and includes a corporate dedication to improving the local, and/or global community.
Karin was only the 3rd woman to be hired in Central Operation Sales for J & L Steel, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She later accepted a position with a Canadian steel company who was expanding operations into the United States. As a regional sales manager with an international territory, Karin managed a $140M sales territory, and saw firsthand how various steel mills, and manufacturer’s work culture and environments, impacted morale, productivity, and profits.
As an author, speaker, and facilitator, Karin was a civilian responder directly after 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. Working with the children and families from Bay St. Louis, MS after Katrina showed her the expansiveness of loss, life events, and the resilience of this special community. Karin is an adult facilitator for Caring Place, where families can receive help after the loss of a spouse, parent, child, or extended family member.
Through these experiences she has witnessed how life events impact employees, and what employees need from management to help them adjust and move through these life events. Productivity and morale need not suffer if embraced appropriately.
Her online program, “Your Journey through the Islands of Grief and Loss,” encourages individuals and employees to confront issues related to their personal journeys around different aspects of life events and loss. Corporate comfort gifts, journals, and other products support this effort.

Catch Up With Our Author:

g-powerglobal.com
Amazon Author Profile
LinkedIn
Goodreads
Instagram - @lundkarinj
YouTube - @g-powerglobal
X - @GPowerGlobal
Facebook - @GPowerGlobal

 

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Yes-YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough by Karin J. Lund

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Thursday, December 4, 2025

A Season of Wishes: Timeless Regency Collection By Julie Daines, Samantha Hastings, and Rachel Kelley Stones-Christmas Regency Review


 Book Synopsis

This Christmas, the best wishes aren't found on a list.

The Trouble with Wishes by Julie Daines
Catherine Haywood is desperate to claim the affection of her long-time friend Frederick Milton, but Frederick only seems interested in courting the new young lady in town. Catherine makes a series of wishes, thinking that is the safer route rather than openly putting her heart on the line. But as each wish is fulfilled, she realizes getting what she wished for is not the same as getting what she wants.

We Wish You a Miserable Christmas by Samantha Hastings
Two secret pen fellows meet only to learn that they already know one another in this Christmas comedy of errors! Miserable Margaret resents Mr. Frank Warner and truthfully he is a little afraid of her. They are thrown together in a Christmas house party in London and spend the season skating, decorating, going to the theaters, and even dancing. Margaret discovers that she isn't miserable after all. And Frank, with her help, finds the courage to believe in himself and work for his own happily-ever-after.

Pranks and Wishes by Rachel Kelley Stones
Elizabeth Quincy will do anything it takes to stop her childhood friend, Thomas Westin, from proposing marriage to her younger sister this Christmas. Thomas Westin has a plan. He’s determined to convince Lizzy to be his bride. Only, she keeps avoiding any conversation related to love. In this friends-to-lovers novella, Lizzy and Thomas must learn to trust themselves and each other to see if their feelings will be reciprocated.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mirror Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 8, 2025
  • Genre : Regency Romance
  • Series : Timeless Regency Collection
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1952611547
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****




My Review

A Season of Wishes made a great pick to kick off this packed December. It melted away my stress. Three novellas make up the book. with each one charming right from the start to the end. The characters plans or schemes go off track in every tale. Still, they wrap up happy making wishes come true, but taking the long way to get there.

The Trouble with Wishes by Julie Daines
Catherine and Frederick grew up as best friends. He comes home from Cambridge to help run the family estate. Catherine notices that Frederick seems to be interested in another young lady which is not in her plans. She keeps wishing in secret and hides her love from him. He loves her too but stays quiet which causes many twists keeping it fun. This is a sweet friends-to-lovers read.

We Wish You a Miserable Christmas by Samantha Hastings
Frank and Margaret shine as characters. They start by  swapping letters under pen names. Their sharp banter cracked me up. I couldn't stop laughing at the awkward moments  as they are forced together as guests at her sister's home. They  eventually figure out they already know each other. This acquaintances-to-lovers tale warms the heart. Pure hilarious fun. 

-Pranks and Wishes by Rachel Kelley Stones
Elizabeth and Thomas share a great story in dual views. They are longtime best friends and  loved pranking each other through the years. One Elizabeth's pranks  goes wrong and seriously injures Thomas and this changes their friendship and makes them rethink about their  true wants and wishes. The friends-to-lovers trope shines here. It's one of my favorites. The warm and inspiring tale was a bit more somber at times, but sparks some joy in the end.

Each story is entertaining, and is a fast read. It was nice that each novella was very unique, but each stands alone and is linked by a shared theme. These are perfect stories to get your mind and heart ready for the Christmas season. There’s something for everyone and the tropes you love. What a wonderdul way to bring the spirit and magic of Christmas into your life.

****Meet The Authors****

Julie Daines


 

Julie Daines is an award-winning and best-selling author. She was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.



Samantha Hastings




Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She writes cozy murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen. 

Learn more at www.SamanthaHastings.com or connect with her on social media: Twitter @HastingSamantha, Instagram @SamanthaHastingsAuthor, and Facebook @AuthorSamanthaHastings



Rachel Kelley Stones

 


Rachel Kelley Stones grew up on a farm in Kentucky, and an infamous summer of no television solidified her love for the written word. Traveling to eras past became a favorite pastime and inspired her to pursue a degree in English from Brigham Young University. Fast-forward a decade (or more), and she finally put pen to paper to write her own romantic, historical tales. She now lives with her family in Idaho. 





~*~*~*~*Purchase A Season of Wishes ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/j7BjoL8

Kindle-https://a.co/d/g76I4Un

Monday, December 1, 2025

Out of Time: Undaunted Courage #3 By Irene Hannon-Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance




 Book Synopsis

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and centuries-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begin to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.
  
Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues. But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  
  
Hannon presents another page-turning thriller in Out of Time where danger lurks in every shadow.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell
  • Series: Undaunted Courage
  • Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800741900
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****






My Review

This is the first book I've read from the Undaunted Courage series. I would never have guessed it was the third book because it read so well as a standalone. Now I want to read the first two books in the series.

The story hooks you with suspense right from chapter one. There were several pieces to the mystery, and Red Herrings popped up in every chapter. Many people could be guilty of the murder and chaos. 

The main setting is a secluded and mysterious woodland estate owned by an elderly woman, Natalie, whose family story is recorded in journals in a dying dialect.  Historical anthropologist Cara Tucker is there to translate the journals while on sabbatical leave as a professor. Someone doesn't want the journals translated and will do anything to stop the work. Single Cara meets two men who stir her interest: Sheriff Brad, and Natalie's cousin Steve. I really liked Brad from the start and how he eventually opened up to Cara about his life. 

A cool part in this novel is seeing the bad guy's side. We also get views from different people, which confuses readers about who's causing trouble at Natalie's place. No big spoilers here, but expect twists, several puzzles to solve, and tension that grows to the end. Love mysteries with suspense and a touch of faith? Out of Time is perfect for you.

****Meet Author Irene Hannon****

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.





~*~*~*~*Purchase Out of Time ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/7078XPz

Kindle-https://a.co/d/gwILT7h


~~~More Books by Irene Hannon~~~

Over the Edge: (Psychological Suspense Thriller Romance with a Police Detecti...
Into the Fire: (Arson Investigative Suspense Thriller and Forced Proximity Ro...
Body of Evidence: (A Clean Contemporary Romantic Suspense Thriller with a For...
Labyrinth of Lies: (A Clean Contemporary Romantic Suspense Thriller)
Point of Danger: (A Clean Contemporary Romantic Suspense Thriller)
Dark Ambitions: (A Contemporary Romance Action Thriller with a Edge of Your S...


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Sunday, November 23, 2025

Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends #3) By A.L. Sowards- Medieval Historical Fiction Review


 Book Synopsis

The Serbs defied the world’s most powerful ruler, and now Danilo and Maja must fight to save their people and their newly forged love before the sultan exacts his revenge.


The Balkans, 1389

Three years ago, Danilo’s people won their freedom from the hated Ottoman Empire, but with enemies on every side, the Serbs’ hard-earned peace remains fragile. Knowing the sultan will soon come for revenge, Danilo sets out to gain key allies for the coming war—and to escape the haunting grief of personal loss.

War has orphaned Maja and her brother, but they’ve moved forward from tragedy by crafting religious mosaics. Yet after being cheated and robbed, they are desperate for help. Rescue comes from Danilo, the man who once saved them from slavery to the Turks.

Danilo and Maja are soon drawn together by shared grief and affection, but complications arise on every side. A Hungarian noble suspects them of conspiracy. An Ottoman spy, Iskandar, is consumed by a vendetta against Danilo and a dangerous obsession with Maja. And a pending marriage alliance pits Danilo’s heart against his duty. As rumors of treason weaken Christian unity, hope of victory in the Balkans grows dim. Allies and enemies converge on the fields of Kosovo, where an epic battle will shape the destiny of nations for centuries to come.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
  • Series: The Balkan Legends #3
  • Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934537
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****




My Review

I was thrilled to learn that the third book in The Balkan Legends series was being released. Author A.L. Sowards shines at making history jump off the page. I've been impressed over the years as each book has become stronger and better. Against a Crescent Storm is truly icing on the cake.

The book begins in 1389, three years after the Serbs gained their newfound freedom from the Ottoman Empire. With peace being fragile, they need to unite with strong allies against the Sultan and his armies. 

Danilo ranks as my top side character from past books. He's a fierce, Serb fighter, cousin to two Zupans from the first tales. He proves his love and loyalty best to his Zupan and cousin Ivan. This novel amps it up. Scenes like that brought tears to my eyes more than once. Danilo also finds fresh love and it comes from Maja, the sweet and pretty mosaic artist he once saved. Their romance is a beautiful thing and pulls at heartstrings.

The battles that took place in the Kosovo lands were heartbreaking and fierce. Sowards has a way of writing realistic war scenes without being too graphic. During these chapters, I found myself walking away, not wanting to see the fate of Danilo and Ivan, as I was so invested in these characters and their well-being. I also loved the growth that I saw in Ivan's wife, Helena, as she became a great leader in her husband's absence. 

To wrap it up,read the earlier books first for the full impact. It can be read as a standalone, but the emotional payoff won't be the same. I love this series, and I don't want to let it go.The best part? I can return anytime. Audiobooks will be my next adventure with The Balkan Legends series. If you want your own escape, jump to the 1300s and immerse yourself in The Balkan Legend Series.  

****Meet Author A.L. Sowards****



A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

For more information, please visit her website, ALSowards.com


~*~*~*~*Purchase Against a Crescent Storm ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/eB0OWMr

Kindle-https://a.co/d/hq1UKss