Tag: Book reviewer

A Review of ‘Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough’ by Karin J. Lund

‘Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough’ is the new YA self help book by Karin J. Lund. Photo: Partners In Crime Tours, used with permission.

Part of the Partners in Crime Tours Virtual Book Tours

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

Theme: Celebrating your life, understanding and creating your value, and building confidence and resilience. (Partners in Crime Tours, 2025)

This is the book that will always remind you: YES – I MATTER, I AM ENOUGH.

Photo: PICT, used with permission.

Review

Karin J. Lund’s Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough is a heartfelt and empowering guide to self-discovery, confidence, and resilience. Written with warmth and clarity, Lund invites readers to celebrate their lives and recognize the unique value each person holds.

It’s less a traditional self-help book and more a compassionate conversation, one that encourages reflection and personal growth.

Lund’s message is simple yet profound: self-worth isn’t something we earn; it’s something we uncover and nurture. Through thoughtful exercises and gentle affirmations, she helps readers navigate life’s complexities with grace and self-trust. Her emphasis on creating one’s own value and building inner strength makes this book both inspiring and practical.

Interactive exercises include:

  • Writing down what you could change and how it might impact your situation.
  • Write a challenge you want to achieve and have an accountability partner to help you. 

Even the cover design, featuring interlocking, layered lines, beautifully mirrors the book’s message. It symbolizes life’s many intersecting paths and the freedom to change direction, reinforcing the idea that resilience is born from flexibility and self-awareness.

Ultimately, Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough is a compassionate reminder that our worth is inherent and our journeys are ever-evolving. It’s an uplifting read for anyone seeking to reconnect with their inner power and embrace the full richness of who they are.

“Keep seeking truth and honesty in your life. Don’t ever be afraid to choose a new path.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Karin J. Lund, Founder of G-Power Global Enterprises, partners with corporations, universities, and non-profit organizations to create compassionate, empowered workplace cultures. Her work fosters environments where employees and management actively support shared values, inclusivity, and community impact.

Her online program, Your Journey through the Islands of Grief and Loss, encourages individuals and teams to navigate personal and professional challenges with empathy and resilience. Corporate comfort gifts, journals, and other resources support this meaningful initiative.

Photo: PICT, used with permission

To celebrate the release of Karin J. Lund’s new book Yes – YOU Matter, YOU Are Enough, Partners in Crime Tours is having a giveaway. Enter for a chance to win an Amazon.com gift card.

Photo: PICT, used with permission

Rediscovering Respect: How One Small Virtue Can Change Everything

‘Respect’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s forthcoming new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Respect – How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time

By Robert L. Dilenschneider
Release Date: October 28 — Available now for pre-order

🕊️ Why Respect Still Matters

In a world where online outrage spreads faster than kindness and conversations often turn into confrontations, the idea of respect can feel almost old-fashioned. Yet, what if rediscovering this simple value could be the key to improving how we live, work, and connect?

That’s the premise behind Robert L. Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time. A veteran public relations expert and thoughtful observer of human behavior, Dilenschneider explores how showing respect in our tone, actions, and choices can reshape not just our relationships, but the culture around us.

📘 What’s Inside

Chapter 1: A Call for Respectfulness
Chapter 2: Is Respectfulness Truly Possible in the Age of Retribution?
Chapter 3: What’s In It For Me?
Chapter 4: Start with Self-Respect
Chapter 5: The Top Five Qualities of Respectfulness
Chapter 6: Respectfulness at Work
Chapter 7: Respectfulness in Family and Personal Relationships
Chapter 8: Respectfulness in Civic Institutions
Chapter 9: Transforming Society

🌟 Highlights

  • Chapter 3: Offers tips on what to do when disrespect turns into bullying, and explores how respectfulness can lead to improved relationships, stronger professional connections, and a less stressful daily life.
  • Chapter 5: Explains that respect is more than politeness or manners, it’s about recognizing people as individuals with their own unique identities.

💬 Why It Matters

The tone throughout the book is conversational and grounded, yet deeply reflective. Dilenschneider urges readers to see respect not as a surface-level courtesy but as a transformative social force. Each chapter ends with a “Think About It” section inviting readers to pause, reflect, and apply the ideas to their own lives.

By combining practical wisdom and moral clarity, the book moves beyond abstract principles to offer real-world ways to practice respect daily. Whether in the office, at home, or within our communities, Dilenschneider shows how small gestures of empathy can ripple outward to build trust, cooperation, and understanding.

Ultimately, Respect is an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve communication, leadership, and human connection. In an age of division and incivility, this book serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for a more compassionate world.

Perfect for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this book reminds us:

“Far from outdated, respectfulness is a vital part of the foundation of a well-functioning society and a fulfilling life. We would do well to cultivate it, and this book will show you how—and why.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

👤 About the Author

Robert L. Dilenschneider founded The Dilenschneider Group in 1991 after serving as President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He has counseled major corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions, helping clients navigate complex communications challenges.

He is the author of numerous books, including Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, and 50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. His most recent work before Respect was Character and Respect.

💭 Let’s Talk

Do you think respect is becoming a lost art — or are we just redefining what it means?
How do you practice respect in your everyday interactions, especially in challenging situations?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re keeping respect alive in your corner of the world.

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Ruthless Pursuits and Twists: What Makes ‘Neon Prey’ a Captivating Thriller

‘Neon Prey’ by John Sandford. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

John Sandford is the pseudonym of John Roswell Camp, an American author and journalist. Camp is the author of more than fifty-four published novels, all of which have appeared, in one format or another, on the New York Times best-seller lists, many debuting at #1. In addition to the Prey, Virgil Flowers, and Letty Davenport novels, all part of the Prey universe, he is also the co-author of three young-adult books in the Singular Menace series, written with Michele Cook, and co-author of the science-fiction thriller “Saturn Run” with Ctein.

“Neon Prey” is the 29th novel in the Prey series. Clayton Deese is a small-time criminal, muscle for hire when his loan shark boss needs to teach someone a lesson. Now, seven months after a job that went south landed him in jail, Deese has skipped out on bail, and the U.S. Marshals come looking for him. They don’t care about a low-level guy–it’s his boss they want–but Deese might be their best chance to bring down the whole operation.

When they track him to his rural Louisiana cabin, they find a jungle full of graves behind a dirt trail. Now Lucas Davenport is on the trail of a serial killer who has been operating for years without notice. The killer is ruthless, and–as Davenport will come to find–full of surprises. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Review:
“Neon Prey” is a gripping thriller that has Lucas Davenport, now a US Marshal, pursuing a cunning serial killer with a long history of eluding capture. The story begins with the discovery of a gruesome crime scene and quickly spirals into a tense, high-stakes hunt for a killer whose motives and methods remain elusive. Davenport, always a sharp and resourceful investigator, follows a trail that stretches across states, using his expertise and determination to connect dots that others have missed. Together with two of his most trusted agents, Rae Givens and Bob Matees, as well as the FBI Agent in charge Tremanty, they are hot on Deese’s trail, who is now part of a home invasion burglary ring.

Sandford’s writing is fast-paced and immersive, drawing readers into the intense atmosphere of the investigation. With highly descriptive language, the fights scenes come to life: “Paine rolled up on his side, not screaming but choking and in pain, and with Deese’s pant leg now up, Paine, with no other weapon, bit him on the calf, like a feral tomcat, wrenching his head from side to side as his teeth sank in.”

The detailed character development is impressive—especially of Davenport, who continues to evolve throughout the series. He’s a man of deep intellect, but also someone who struggles with personal demons and moral ambiguities, making him a complex and compelling protagonist. Deese, the antagonist, is equally well-written, with a chilling presence that makes every encounter feel high-stakes.

This suspenseful crime thriller is filled with twists and turns as the hunt for a sadistic killer takes Davenport to the neon lights of Las Vegas. It explores the themes of good vs evil, revenge, death, and friendship and while it does have its dark moments, the satisfactory conclusion is worth the ride.

Overall, with its intricate plot and twists and turns, as well as Sandford’s sharp, engaging prose, “Neon Prey” is a standout in the crime genre. Though it’s a stand alone novel, it continues Lucas Davenport’s journey as a US Marshal. It’s a thrilling, intelligent read that will satisfy both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.

“He slipped the tan ski mask out of his pocket, pulled it over his head, turned towards the door and knocked, raising the cane, ready to kick it open. Like many perfect plans, his didn’t go quite right.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A Journey of Inspiration: The Compelling Message of ‘Faith Ignited’

‘Faith Ignited’ is Robert Moment’s new devotional book. Photo: Amazon.

Robert Moment, an ICF Certified Leadership and Executive Coach and Peak Performance Expert, is passionate about helping people discover their God-given potential. With over 15 years of coaching experience and 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership, Robert specializes in guiding individuals to overcome challenges through unwavering faith and resilience. His other books include “High Performing Teams” and “CEO Leadership Mastery,” and he is dedicated to helping others live out God’s purpose in their lives. His latest book “Faith Ignited: Unbreakable Spirit-Overcoming Life’s Hardships and Rising Stronger Through God’s Grace” is an inspirational Christian guide designed to help you embrace God’s strength, build unwavering faith, and find resilience even in the most difficult times. (Amazon, 2024)

“Faith Ignited” – Whether you’re navigating emotional pain, career setbacks, or personal struggles, this book offers biblical principles and actionable strategies to help you overcome and thrive. Through each chapter, you’ll deepen your relationship with God, explore His purpose for your life, and learn how to transform challenges into powerful stepping stones toward spiritual and personal growth. With devotionals for women and devotionals for men, this guide provides the inspiration you need to rise above adversity.

Discover how unwavering faith empowers you to face adversity head-on and emerge stronger.

  • Mental Toughness Through Scripture
  • Forgiveness and Healing from Hurt:
  • Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones
  • Mastering Peak Performance
  • The Power of Prayer in Adversity

Review:
This guidebook is an inspiring exploration of resilience and personal transformation. Moment emphasizes the power of faith in overcoming adversity and offers practical advice to get through life’s ups and downs, making it accessible for a wide audience. His reflections on challenges—be they personal, professional, or spiritual—serve as a guiding light for those seeking motivation. He encourages readers to harness their inner strength and believe in their potential, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment. In the Introduction, he writes that this book “…is your roadmap to not just surviving life’s challenges but thriving in the midst of them.”

Chapters include:
Introduction – Igniting Faith in the Midst of Adversity
Chapter 1 – Faith Ignited
Chapter 2 – The Power of Mental Toughness
Chapter 3 – Resilience Through Pain and Hurt
Chapter 4 – Adversity as a Teacher
Chapter 5 – Bounce Back Strategies
Chapter 6 – Mastering Peak Performance
Chapter 7 – The Power of Prayer in Adversity
Chapter 8 – Mental Strategies for Well-being
Chapter 9 – The Unbreakable Spirit
Chapter 10 – Overcoming Career Setbacks
Chapter 11 – Unlocking Your Full Potential
Chapter 12 – Building Your Legacy
Conclusion – Faith Ignited

Each chapter begins with a relevant bible verse and ends with a list of Coaching Questions to help readers think about what they just read and apply it to their personal lives.

Highlights:

Chapter 2 – where he explains how “techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help calm the chaos within” and help us develop mental toughness. He also focuses on positive self talk as a way to create a healthier mindset by identifying negative thoughts and visualizing success.

Chapter 6 – the biggest take is on developing healthy habits such as morning rituals, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. Small steps add up, and it takes time to develop a healthier lifestyle, so it’s best to be patient and consistent.

The writing style is straightforward yet engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Moment’s emphasis on community and support further enriches the narrative, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. The language is compelling and relatable, drawing readers in from the beginning. As a quick and easy read, it can easily be read in one sitting and is an excellent reference for frequent use.

Overall, “Faith Ignited: Unbreakable Spirit – Overcoming Life’s Hardships and Rising Stronger Through God’s Grace” is a must-read for these challenging times. The authenticity of Moment’s voice and his firm optimism make this an outstanding devotional. It’s a call to action for anyone facing difficulties and a reminder that with faith and determination, we can ignite our own unbreakable spirit. It is highly recommended for readers looking for encouragement and inspiration from a Christian faith-based perspective.

“You were not created to stay broken. Within you lies an unbreakable spirit, a reservoir of strength and resilience that is waiting to be awakened.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Navigating Economic Empowerment: Reviewing ‘United States of Small Business’ by Jonathan Quick

‘United States of Small Business’ compiles the wisdom and experiences of entrepreneurs from the first 43 episodes of Jonathan Quick’s podcast. Photo: Amazon

“United States of Small Business” is a compelling exploration of the backbone of the American economy. Jonathan Quick is the host of the podcast “United States of Small Business” and in this first volume, he shares the experiences shared by entrepreneurs from the first 43 episodes of his podcast. In this insightful book, Quick explores the world of small businesses, highlighting how they drive innovation, create jobs, and support local economies across the nation.

It takes readers on a journey through different types of businesses and regions, shedding light on diverse success stories and the challenges faced by small business owners. The author’s writing is both engaging and informative and the chapters are short and to the point. At the end of each chapter, there are links to their books, websites, and the specific podcast. Each of these stories is inspiring and have one idea in common: each entrepreneur recognized the gap in their industry and used that as a stepping stone to his/her success story. Among the characteristics they share are vision, resilience, innovation, passion, dedication, and adaptability.

Some of the chapters include:
Chapter 1:The American Dream Lives On: A Tale Told By Small Businesses In Every Town
Chapter 2: Unlocking The Seo Code: A Conversation With Lauren Gaggioli
Chapter 3: Embracing The Edge: Lessons From Christian Espinosa’s Journey To Cybersecurity Leadership
Chapter 4: Illuminating Success: The Entrepreneurial Journey Of Jacob Gaspard
Chapter 5: Chasing Horizons: Bob West’s Odyssey From Architect To Heartland Hero

Highlights:

Chapter 17: Unleashing Potential: The Brady Foulk Philosophy of Empowerment due to his philosophy of “awakening a sense of harmony and empowerment in both the animals and their human counterparts.” His method of dog training focuses on addressing the needs of both the dog and the owner.

Chapter 25: Jeff Maine’s Revolution: Merging Commerce With Compassion because it emphasizes that combining “visionary thinking and a commitment to the greater good” can eventually make way for a more philanthropic society.

This fascinating compilation of stories offers practical insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own businesses. By combining stories with business analysis, Quick makes it accessible to both casual readers interested in motivational success stories and business savvy readers looking for business advice.

Overall, “United States of Small Business” is a must-read for anyone curious about the inside workings of small businesses as well as successful business profiles. It celebrates their contributions while providing sound business management guidance and makes an excellent addition to any home library.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.