The Negativity Remedy REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to the my Review and the Takeover Tour for The Negativity Remedy by Nicole J. Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Negativity Remedy

Title: The Negativity Remedy

Subtitle: Unlocking More Joy, Less Stress, and Better Relationships through Kindness
Author: Nicole J. Phillips
Publisher: Baker Books
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Genre: Christian Self-Help/Relationships

Edition: paperback 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook   | #CommissionsEarned

Reason for Reading – I signed up for the review tour, hosted by JustReadTours. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own, I do not need to leave a positive review.  

Cover Image/Inside Illustrations – 2 / ★★★★★ I'm not really sure what the light has to do with the book, but I do like the simplicity of the cover and the easy-to-read font.
Intellectual Depth – 5 / ★★★★★ Is the message simple? YES! Also backed up with scientific facts, personal stories, and helpful advice.

Unpaid Ad |Tour Post

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Synopsis:

We're all pretty nice people, right? It's all those other people who are the problem. 

Sure, occasionally we're tempted to gossip or indulge in a little justified road rage . . . or snap at our spouse . . . or scream at our kids . . . but if everyone else would get with the program, we wouldn't be this way!

Maybe the trouble isn't with all those other people who aggravate us. Maybe we're the problem--specifically, the way we react to inconveniences, accidents, and just plain old everyday life with negative words, thoughts, and actions. Because the truth is, when we stop focusing on how we're being affected and start responding in kind ways, that's when something remarkable happens: we actually feel happier ourselves.

With humor, compassion, and encouragement, Nicole Phillips draws on scientific research and real-life examples to help us recognize unhelpful negative thought patterns, show kindness toward others even when we don't feel like it, and discover how one little change actually changes everything.

If you like this you may also enjoy #affiliate

Awesomeness Factor: 5 / ★★★★★

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I loved this quote

THINK before you speak. Is it;
True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

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What did I like about the book?

I have been reading more non-fiction books this year. Its not a normal go-to genre but COVID has me reaching for all the self-help books. 2020 has NOT been my year... or my families. With a title like: The Negativity Remedy: Unlocking More Joy, Less Stress, and Better Relationships through Kindness - I had high hopes and this book delivered.  I recently had similar expectations for another book in the same genre and was completely disappointed so reading chapter one 'Lessons from Dinoland' made me smile and instantly relating and invested.

Is kindness a magical cure-all? Kind of (in my opinion) ... but the author says different. She backs up her claims by quoting other experts in the field and scientific data. I loved all the truths and personal stories thrown in with examples of both good and bad. Nicole claims to be a work in progress with an inner meanie waiting in the background just like everyone else, and she has a plan to keep it in check.

As soon as I started reading I began text friends and family and telling them about this book, reading passages and giving my own examples. I especially enjoy the part advocating for volunteerism. 

✔Inspirational 
✔Family  
✔Challenging Read 
✔Quick Read 
✔Made Me Smarter 
✔Life Changing 

What did I not like about the book?

n/a - I loved it from the first page. I felt validated. It was like the author was speaking truths I have tried to impress upon my family for decades... but in a way that probably made way more since. 

Seriously, a must read for everyone, every situation.

Date Started/Finished : September 18th-23rd 2020

Writing: 5/★★★★★
Story – 5 / ★★★★★
Content Flow – 5 / ★★★★★

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"When I tell myself I’m going to be bad at something, I always prove myself right. Self talk is dangerous when it’s negative."

Recommend? YES!!!

Recommend To – Anyone! Should be required reading for parents, teenagers, managers, people in customer service, volunteers, negative Nelly's.

Would you encourage others to read this book? Absolutely! Want to pick up a non-fiction? Need some motivation? Relationship advice? Reduce stress? Be a better person? This book is for everyone!

Would Read More from Author? Definitely... too bad I don't listen to podcasts

Follow me on Goodreads! @angelakreais

The Negativity Remedy: Unlocking More Joy, Less Stress, and Better Relationships Through Kindness by Nicole J. Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
based off Goodreads' ratings

5 stars – Excellent: LOVE, it was amazing, highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Overall Rating: 5/★★★★★

Language level

content rating system | G = For general audience. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

photo credit: Ann Fredricks Photography

Nicole Phillips is a champion for using kindness to overcome all of life's difficulties, including her own battle with breast cancer. She spreads her message of the healing power of kindness as host of the weekly show The Kindness Podcast, through her weekly syndicated newspaper column "Kindness Is Contagious," and as a featured guest on multiple radio and television programs. The author of Kindness Is Contagious and Kindness Is Courageous, Nicole is married to her childhood sweetheart, Saul. They live in South Dakota with their three children and an oversized goldendoodle.


CONNECT WITH NICOLE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Baker Books bundle including 5 titles and a $10 Starbucks gift card! 

The book bundle will include the following titles: 

Daring to Live by Sheri Hunter 

The Truth About Us by Brant Hansen 

Loving My Actual Neighbor by Alexandra Kuykendall 

Made to Move Mountains by Kristen Welch 

With All Your Heart by Christine Hoover

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 23, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2020. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics.  

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I can earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure: This book was provided to me at no cost. Whether positive or negative, my blog review is my own and may differ from others opinions. This review is simply a compilation of my thoughts and opinions of this book.  If you have any questions, just post them and I'll be happy to answer as best as I can. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

**No monetary compensation was received for this review. Posts may contain affiliate or referral links. Thank you for your support!**

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The Shadows Between Us REVIEW

 

Welcome to my review for : 

The Shadows Between Us

Title: The Shadows Between US
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends | Macmillan Audio
Release Date: February 25th 2020
audio Length:  9 hours 53 minutes
Genre: YA Fantasy, dark romance, magic
Edition:  audiobook

BOOK LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | #CommissionsEarned

Reason for Reading – Borrowed from my library, via the Overdrive app. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary.  I read this author's Daughter of the Pirate King duology and Warrior of the Wild (check out that review HERE). Looks like she's an auto-read author for me.

Cover Image/Inside Illustrations – 5 / ★★★★★ The font is easy to read. Red wallpaper print with a black gate overlay and a dagger on the cover 
Intellectual Depth – 3 / ★★★★★ purely for entertainment only

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Synopsis:

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.

2) Marry him.

3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen? 

If you like this you may also enjoy #affiliate

Awesomeness Factor: 5 / ★★★★★

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Follow me on Twitter! @bbgrl4u82

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Main Characters

• Alessandra - the author describes her as being an unapologetic Slytherin
• Kallias- the Shadow King

Dynamic: friends to lovers | frienemies

Leave a comment telling me your favorite characters in this trope.

Characters: 4 / ★★★★★

Plot

The book starts off with Alessandra recounting her first love and first kill. Three years of practice; learning how to get men to fall in love with her, shower her with expensive gifts, flirting, manipulation, and blackmail prepare her for her next mark. All the skills Alessandra will need to woo, marry, and kill the king. Tired of being over-looked as the second born, and threatened to being sold off to the highest bidder in marriage by her father, the main character creates a plan to have a life of her choosing.

Plot and Themes: 4 / ★★★★★

Setting

Can I please just live in that castle as a guest for a week and borrow Alessandra's wardrobe? The setting sounded magical and I'd love to go visit.

Setting: 4 / ★★★★★

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Audiobook

Who is the narrator? Caitlin Davies

I had the speed setting a little fast because I was listening to it while just laying down not distracted with other tasks. It kept me alert and invested.

What did I like about the book?

Alessandra is ambitious and motivated. She sees a problem and goes to work finding a solution. Does everything go her way 100% of the time? No, that's life but she figures out how to get what she wants no matter what. I wish my daughters thought that way. It isn't the end of the world, just a temporary set back. She does things she doesn't want to do because she has to without blaming others or being a damsel in distress. 

Alessandra has friends, is supportive, and uses her influence to elevate everyone she cares about. She is artistic and creates a lot of her own designs, even offering to teach her friends and be a cheerleader at their progress. I need one of those in my life. Just don't get on her bad side. I laughed. I gasped. I saw a lot of thing coming, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

The king is young. He has to follow guidance from others until he turns 21. Although that can be annoying he also recognized the benefits of surrounding himself with others that are better at him in a specialized field and works as a group. He also sees the benefit of outside help when unable to find solutions on his own. He is smart and a hard worker, trying to balance work and figure out who murdered his parents. Its a lonely life but he has a dog, so that's ok. I loved the magic surrounding the king. Myth, history, how it worked was all included. I loved it. Weirdly it humanized the Shadow King.

✔Strong Female Protagonist 
✔Quick Read 
✔Couldn't Put It Down 
✔Instagram-able Cover 
✔Better As An Audiobook 

What did I not like about the book?

The antagonist was easy to predict. I think it was supposed to maybe be a twist? But too many obvious clues gave it away. I actually don't dislike it, just told my daughter about the audiobook and my guesses and they were right.

The love story... I actually really liked until the end. *insert eye roll* I think I would've liked the announcement of HEA better if it wrapped up in the epilogue... instead of the way it did.

Also... there was a dungeon scene (and really, the most dislike)... singing was involved... denial... which was all well and good but after I finished the book I realized it never really said what happened with that character (or I missed it). I was a little confused when I finished the book and thought about it later. I think it was the only thing not neatly wrapped up.

Does this frustrate you in books as well? Leave me a comment about your book pet peeves!

Date Started/Finished : September 18th-19th 2020

Writing: 5/★★★★★ made me want to be apart of that world
Story – 5 / ★★★★★ I feel like what the author observed about men seems legit
Romance – 5 / ★★★★★ - enemies to friends to lovers that of course started with lust
Angst – 3 / ★★★★★ the angst was low... but it felt genuine and the MC was determined 
Content Flow – 4.5 / ★★★★★ my only confusion was that prison scene

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Recommend? yes

Recommend To – if you like standalones and YA Fantasy

Would you encourage others to read this book? I loved the unapologetic characters, the friendships, the love story, the food, the dresses. If you just need a break. A dark quick read with a HEA - pick it up

Would Read More from Author? Definitely

Follow me on Goodreads! @angelakreais

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 5/★★★★★

based off Goodreads' ratings

5 stars – Excellent: LOVE, it was amazing, highly recommend.

View all my reviews

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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I can earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure: This book was provided to me at no cost. Whether positive or negative, my blog review is my own and may differ from others opinions. This review is simply a compilation of my thoughts and opinions of this book.  If you have any questions, just post them and I'll be happy to answer as best as I can. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

**No monetary compensation was received for this review. Posts may contain affiliate or referral links. Thank you for your support!**

Until I Met You GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Until I Met You by Tari Faris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Until I Met You 

Series: Restoring Heritage Series book 2 

Author: Tari Faris 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: September 8, 2020 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Welcome back to Heritage, Michigan--the small town with a big heart 

When she hears that the town of Heritage is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a basement room stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans. 

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished, and he hopes it is enough to save the family business. Then he can extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tari Faris is the author of You Belong with Me. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she is the projects manager for My Book Therapy, writes for  learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area with her husband and their three children. Although she lives in the Southwest now, she lived in a small town in Michigan for 25 years.

CONNECT WITH TARI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Until I Met You AND You Belong with Me by Tari Faris PLUS a Barnes and Noble $25 Gift Card

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 17, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2020. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics.  For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Two Reasons to Run GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Two Reasons to Run
Series: The Pelican Harbor Series book 2 
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Gripping romantic suspense from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble. A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol.

A crisis looms. 

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged. 

A killer targets her son. 

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good. 

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook 

  

Follow me on Instagram @angelakreais

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

CONNECT WITH COLLEEN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of One Little Lie plus Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble!

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 17, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2020. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics.  

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.