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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Lies & Deception(Soldiers of Fury MC #1) in Books
Jul 2, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
Gonna jump straight in here, and this review may well be on the short side!
For the most part, I DID enjoy this. Mostly.
And for the life of me, I cannot, I simply CAN'T figure out what didn't work, or why! And you KNOW how much that frustrates me!!
It's well told, from both Fin and Mitch's POV, in the third person. Perfect for me. It's a very well delivered tale.
I did see who was feeding the police their insider information very early on, I did NOT see who was helping him. I would have love to have been told how Mitch and Finn dealt with finding out each other's secrets, because we don't get that here and I wanted to know how that went down!
It's not overly explicit for a male/male book, but it does come with a contemporary tag. Just the right amount for this book. It does get rather detailed in the description of the violence dished out by Finn's older brother, Rocky. But then again, Rocky isn't the best example of big brother material!
It is, as far as I can see, the first I've read of this author. I'd like to read more. Maybe I just picked the wrong book to jump into Nic Starr's world!
A GOOD 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 for the blog.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
*insert sigh*
Gonna jump straight in here, and this review may well be on the short side!
For the most part, I DID enjoy this. Mostly.
And for the life of me, I cannot, I simply CAN'T figure out what didn't work, or why! And you KNOW how much that frustrates me!!
It's well told, from both Fin and Mitch's POV, in the third person. Perfect for me. It's a very well delivered tale.
I did see who was feeding the police their insider information very early on, I did NOT see who was helping him. I would have love to have been told how Mitch and Finn dealt with finding out each other's secrets, because we don't get that here and I wanted to know how that went down!
It's not overly explicit for a male/male book, but it does come with a contemporary tag. Just the right amount for this book. It does get rather detailed in the description of the violence dished out by Finn's older brother, Rocky. But then again, Rocky isn't the best example of big brother material!
It is, as far as I can see, the first I've read of this author. I'd like to read more. Maybe I just picked the wrong book to jump into Nic Starr's world!
A GOOD 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 for the blog.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I tried. I really did. It sounded like a story that I was going to like, plus, it's a very short novel. Vigilance is about a reality TV show that puts active shooters in randomly selected places while the violence and drama plays out on national TV. The premise being that America should constantly stay vigilant against foreign and domestic threats of any kind. However, for a 190 page book, the actual TV show hadn't even been set up with a chosen shooter "cast" yet by the 50th or so page. Up until that point, it was just the executive producer, preparing to launch the episode in one way or another. At some point, he is supposed to get wound up in the action, or at least some sort of trouble, according to the blurb on the back of the book. However, at that point, the rest of the book gives little to no time to make for a good, descriptive story, so I can't imagine that it could blow my mind by the end. Most of what I've read is part satire, part almost lecture about gun-control and how owning doesn't equal trained to use properly, disguised as some of the characters' backstories. I truly looked forward to reading this book, but have decided to quit. There are way too many books out there to be read to spend time on a bad one. I think the premise was good, and the story had the potential of being really interesting. This one, however, just seems to have missed its mark. Pass.
NIV Thinline Black Hardback Bible: NIV : New International Version
3.0
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With over 400 million Bibles in print, the New International Version is the world's most popular...
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
6.0
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"Wonderful...Rubin shows how you can be happier, starting right now, with small, actionable steps...
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Boy Who Fell To Earth in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is another book I was lent by my teacher, so I previously had no idea it even existed. I've never even heard of the author, Kathy Lette, but I'm glad I know of her now!
Okay, it's nearly midnight and I need to be up early so I'm going to have to keep this one rather short.
Lette writes from the point of view of Lucy, who's son has been involved in a serious car accident. She recaps her time with him, telling us her story of love, loss and difficulty.
This novel is written in an honest voice, with sarcasm and humour on every page. It tells the tale of parenting, divorce, finding and losing love, and even coping with the world's way of dealing with special needs. Like I said, it's brutally honest and does not exclude any of the less favourable thoughts or feelings.
It is quite clear that this is aimed at an older generation of readers, but I must say that I did really enjoy it, far more than I anticipated. It isn't a fantasy or an action novel, and it does have a slightly cheesy happy ending, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised by how easy this is to read.
If I was a bit older I would probably adore this, but as it is I can't say it's quite a favourite of mine. But I'm definitely happy to have read it, so 4 stars.
Okay, it's nearly midnight and I need to be up early so I'm going to have to keep this one rather short.
Lette writes from the point of view of Lucy, who's son has been involved in a serious car accident. She recaps her time with him, telling us her story of love, loss and difficulty.
This novel is written in an honest voice, with sarcasm and humour on every page. It tells the tale of parenting, divorce, finding and losing love, and even coping with the world's way of dealing with special needs. Like I said, it's brutally honest and does not exclude any of the less favourable thoughts or feelings.
It is quite clear that this is aimed at an older generation of readers, but I must say that I did really enjoy it, far more than I anticipated. It isn't a fantasy or an action novel, and it does have a slightly cheesy happy ending, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised by how easy this is to read.
If I was a bit older I would probably adore this, but as it is I can't say it's quite a favourite of mine. But I'm definitely happy to have read it, so 4 stars.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated The Ostin Scholar (Isle of Ostin #3) in Books
Aug 6, 2023
THE OSTIN SCHOLAR is the third book in the Isle of Ostin and really does need to be read as a series.
We met Presley in Arbor and Zeke's story and, in just one short scene, he made my heart ache with what he has to contend with. Now we get to see exactly what he's up against, and the Kade family dynamics. And when I say Kade family, I don't include Roland because he's not part of them and certainly doesn't deserve to be!
Lazlo and Presley are so cute as a couple. Lazlo definitely has the Ostin protective streak over Presley, but also over his son, Everest, and Lina, his best friend and mother to their son. We see Roland up close and personal in this one, making him even more horrible and conniving.
I am loving this series, almost as much as I love the 'theme' of the castle. The story arc moves along nicely with each story, but you don't miss out on any of the relationship-building between the main pair. Or, as in this case, the relationships between a long-lost uncle and nephews.
Definitely recommended by me and bring on The Ostin Rebel as I really want Roland to meet his grisly end. An ornament for one of the boats does sound good... 😁
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2023
We met Presley in Arbor and Zeke's story and, in just one short scene, he made my heart ache with what he has to contend with. Now we get to see exactly what he's up against, and the Kade family dynamics. And when I say Kade family, I don't include Roland because he's not part of them and certainly doesn't deserve to be!
Lazlo and Presley are so cute as a couple. Lazlo definitely has the Ostin protective streak over Presley, but also over his son, Everest, and Lina, his best friend and mother to their son. We see Roland up close and personal in this one, making him even more horrible and conniving.
I am loving this series, almost as much as I love the 'theme' of the castle. The story arc moves along nicely with each story, but you don't miss out on any of the relationship-building between the main pair. Or, as in this case, the relationships between a long-lost uncle and nephews.
Definitely recommended by me and bring on The Ostin Rebel as I really want Roland to meet his grisly end. An ornament for one of the boats does sound good... 😁
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Divided Road (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024) in Books
Nov 1, 2024
I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a stand alone to the other books in the series.
Owen is the fiddler in Flightless, an up and coming rock band. Jared joins as a stand in when the keyboard player takes some family time. But time is short for Owen and Jared.
For the most part, I liked this book.
Both Jared and Owen have a say, and they say a great deal. I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal.
It's not overly explicit but there are smexy times. No real angst or drama, I didn't think.
I did like the way it all played out.
It's an easy read, a Nice book.
*insert sigh*
I just felt I was missing MUCH information. About both men, and their history. Case in point: these guys met before, The Beer Guy incident. I needed that explained. I don't fully get that and I wanted it. I also found it was a little . . . flat . . .on the romance. They meet, they kiss, and they are in love. I wanted more build up.
BUT like I said, I did enjoy it, I'm just saying what I wanted that I didn't get.
3.5 stars, but rounded UP for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a stand alone to the other books in the series.
Owen is the fiddler in Flightless, an up and coming rock band. Jared joins as a stand in when the keyboard player takes some family time. But time is short for Owen and Jared.
For the most part, I liked this book.
Both Jared and Owen have a say, and they say a great deal. I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal.
It's not overly explicit but there are smexy times. No real angst or drama, I didn't think.
I did like the way it all played out.
It's an easy read, a Nice book.
*insert sigh*
I just felt I was missing MUCH information. About both men, and their history. Case in point: these guys met before, The Beer Guy incident. I needed that explained. I don't fully get that and I wanted it. I also found it was a little . . . flat . . .on the romance. They meet, they kiss, and they are in love. I wanted more build up.
BUT like I said, I did enjoy it, I'm just saying what I wanted that I didn't get.
3.5 stars, but rounded UP for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Christmas Killer in Books
Feb 15, 2019
The Christmas Killer (aka The Dream Killer) was a Point Horror book I missed out reading when I was younger, so decided to pick it up to enjoy this holiday season (yes, I am sick). Rosecleer Potter is a normal, everyday fifteen-year-old girl who has a twin brother, Jerram, and loves to dance. She also just happens to have developed the ability to talk, through dreams, to the recently departed, which starts when an acquaintance disappears and whose body turns up murdered in the woods. Now, as the body count rises, Rose has to figure out how to use her power before the killer gets to her.
The first paragraph almost caused me to rethink my expectations of enjoyment I'd get from the book. The sentences were short and choppy, and if the whole book had been written this way, I don't think I'd have managed to get through it. Fortunately for me, it didn't turn out that way at all. Although there were more short, fragmented sentences, they were few and far between and seemed more of a style choice than anything else.
Rose was a good choice as a lead and had both positive and negative attributes to her personality. She was generally nice but could have moments of cattiness or where her temper got the best of her, which made her more believable. I can't say any of the characters are over-developed, but they are described enough to get a rough sketch of who they are as a person, and there are moments of truth in many of their actions, e.g. the mother's freaking out, the father's clamming up, and the brother's withdrawal and secretiveness. The atmosphere is done extremely well. Even though I don't remember many actual descriptions, I got the feeling of a small town, its claustrophobia, and sense of impending doom all the same.
I have to admit this book surprised me. I went in expecting more of the slasher-type YA horrors I read as a youngster, and was handed a more mature, psychological suspense horror read instead. The plot flows well and has enough clues and red herrings to keep most readers interested. As someone who has read a lot of mysteries, I did figure it out, but it could have gone many ways and still have been satisfying. The ending is the only weak point as it was a bit abrupt and maybe too open-ended, but that's a minor niggle and didn't affect my enjoyment much. As far as I've been able to tell, there is no sequel, which might be for the best. The Christmas Killer was a quick and easy chiller that kept me entertained throughout and I'd recommend it for those who like creepy teen reads.
Originally Reviewed: December 29, 2012
Received: Library
The first paragraph almost caused me to rethink my expectations of enjoyment I'd get from the book. The sentences were short and choppy, and if the whole book had been written this way, I don't think I'd have managed to get through it. Fortunately for me, it didn't turn out that way at all. Although there were more short, fragmented sentences, they were few and far between and seemed more of a style choice than anything else.
Rose was a good choice as a lead and had both positive and negative attributes to her personality. She was generally nice but could have moments of cattiness or where her temper got the best of her, which made her more believable. I can't say any of the characters are over-developed, but they are described enough to get a rough sketch of who they are as a person, and there are moments of truth in many of their actions, e.g. the mother's freaking out, the father's clamming up, and the brother's withdrawal and secretiveness. The atmosphere is done extremely well. Even though I don't remember many actual descriptions, I got the feeling of a small town, its claustrophobia, and sense of impending doom all the same.
I have to admit this book surprised me. I went in expecting more of the slasher-type YA horrors I read as a youngster, and was handed a more mature, psychological suspense horror read instead. The plot flows well and has enough clues and red herrings to keep most readers interested. As someone who has read a lot of mysteries, I did figure it out, but it could have gone many ways and still have been satisfying. The ending is the only weak point as it was a bit abrupt and maybe too open-ended, but that's a minor niggle and didn't affect my enjoyment much. As far as I've been able to tell, there is no sequel, which might be for the best. The Christmas Killer was a quick and easy chiller that kept me entertained throughout and I'd recommend it for those who like creepy teen reads.
Originally Reviewed: December 29, 2012
Received: Library
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Fall in Books
Nov 5, 2018
Well as you can see, we've awarded this little cracker of a book 5 stars, and it is so very worthy of each and every one of them for so many reasons! Despite being quite a short little book, it certainly packs a punch.
The story, as you can see from the summary above, follows Braita as she is ripped from everything she knows and gets sent to the Mian on the planet of Triaz. The first thing that gripped me about this story is the plot line - it's just so intriguing and grabbed my interest from the blurb, let alone the first page. Usually I don't enjoy sci-fi, but there's just something about this that makes it feel more like a possible future for our race rather than an actual sci-fi impossible realm.
Something else I loved about this story was the fact it jumped straight into the action. Being a shorter book, you'd expect that, but Scarlett Dawn really does have a certain knack for telling action in a short, succinct way that doesn't miss out any key facts. By the end of the first chapter we had all the details we needed to move forward, and we were totally engrossed in the story. That's a really important thing for me, and Scarlett Dawn will surely reel her readers in, as usual, with a fabulous plot line. The fact there are also some fabulous twists in that plot, not least the end of the book (warning - if you don't like cliff hangers, hold back and wait until the second in the series is ready because seriously, you'll want it there!) which pull you in so deep you're left in a bit of a void when the story actually finishes. I found myself tapping my kindle repeatedly wondering where the rest of the book had gone, without realising I had simply demolished it in one swift sitting.
Braita as a character is also fabulous. She's incredibly well written and very engaging to read. A refreshing change from the standard damsel in distress character that most women are portrayed as, she's got a will to fight and survive that is rather inspirational and certainly very exciting to read. She's a powerful character, and I'm very interested to see how Scarlett Dawn develops her over the series.
In conclusion, this is a brilliant opening to her new series and a book I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a fast past, easy to read and incredibly engaging lead character. Scarlett Dawn has delivered again, and I'm waiting rather impatiently for the next installment!
ARC received in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=467
The story, as you can see from the summary above, follows Braita as she is ripped from everything she knows and gets sent to the Mian on the planet of Triaz. The first thing that gripped me about this story is the plot line - it's just so intriguing and grabbed my interest from the blurb, let alone the first page. Usually I don't enjoy sci-fi, but there's just something about this that makes it feel more like a possible future for our race rather than an actual sci-fi impossible realm.
Something else I loved about this story was the fact it jumped straight into the action. Being a shorter book, you'd expect that, but Scarlett Dawn really does have a certain knack for telling action in a short, succinct way that doesn't miss out any key facts. By the end of the first chapter we had all the details we needed to move forward, and we were totally engrossed in the story. That's a really important thing for me, and Scarlett Dawn will surely reel her readers in, as usual, with a fabulous plot line. The fact there are also some fabulous twists in that plot, not least the end of the book (warning - if you don't like cliff hangers, hold back and wait until the second in the series is ready because seriously, you'll want it there!) which pull you in so deep you're left in a bit of a void when the story actually finishes. I found myself tapping my kindle repeatedly wondering where the rest of the book had gone, without realising I had simply demolished it in one swift sitting.
Braita as a character is also fabulous. She's incredibly well written and very engaging to read. A refreshing change from the standard damsel in distress character that most women are portrayed as, she's got a will to fight and survive that is rather inspirational and certainly very exciting to read. She's a powerful character, and I'm very interested to see how Scarlett Dawn develops her over the series.
In conclusion, this is a brilliant opening to her new series and a book I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a fast past, easy to read and incredibly engaging lead character. Scarlett Dawn has delivered again, and I'm waiting rather impatiently for the next installment!
ARC received in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=467