Tag: Professional Development

‘Think Bigger, Lead Better’ is Rick Tollakson’s Blueprint for Transformational Leadership

In his new book, Rick Tollakson presents his eight principles for success. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success

A fresh take on leadership from Rick Tollakson

In today’s fast-changing business world, leadership can’t be about playing it safe. The most effective leaders are those who think bigger, challenge assumptions, and inspire others to reach new heights. That’s the central message behind Rick Tollakson’s new book, Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success. It’s a practical and inspiring guide to building stronger teams, smarter organizations, and more impactful leaders.

Beyond the Bottom Line

Efficient leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo, it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change.

Drawing from his decades of experience transforming a modest real estate company into a thriving, diversified enterprise, Tollakson shares the “Eight to Great” principles that powered that journey. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, he encourages leaders to move beyond short-term wins and embrace a long-term vision that drives growth and purpose.

Readers will learn how to:

  • Cultivate passionate, high-performing teams
  • Encourage innovation and calculated risk-taking
  • Streamline operations with process-driven thinking
  • Lead with purpose while balancing profitability and impact
  • Build a legacy of leadership that outlasts any single role

Think Bigger, Lead Better is a call to action for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals who refuse to settle for mediocrity. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or growing a small startup, Tollakson’s proven framework will help you push past limitations and build something truly great.

Are you ready to think bigger?

About the Author

Rick Tollakson is a nationally recognized real estate executive, community leader, and author of Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success.

As CEO of Hubbell Realty Company, he has led the organization through transformational growth, expanding its development, construction, property management, and homebuilding operations across Iowa and beyond.

A respected voice in both business and civic circles, Tollakson’s leadership philosophy blends innovation, integrity, and community stewardship. He continues to serve on numerous boards and committees, offering insights that extend far beyond traditional business metrics to include ethical leadership, sustainable development, and meaningful community partnerships.

Why This Book Matters Now

In an era defined by disruption and uncertainty, the need for bold, ethical, and visionary leadership has never been greater. Think Bigger, Lead Better provides the clarity and tools leaders need to navigate change, inspire trust, and create organizations that make a difference.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build a culture of excellence, this book is your next essential read.

📘 Learn more or order your copy of Think Bigger, Lead Better wherever books are sold.

Discipline, Resilience, Leadership: A Review of ‘The Black Belt in Leadership’

Leading like a black belt – how martial arts principles can shape modern leaders. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Book Review: The Black Belt in Leadership: 20 Tested Lessons from the Dojo to the Boardroom

In The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva bridges the worlds of martial arts and corporate leadership with clarity, humility, and practical wisdom. Drawing on his experience as both a world champion martial artist and a two-time multinational CEO, de Silva distills twenty lessons that are just as relevant on the dojo floor as they are in the boardroom.

This book isn’t another collection of recycled business strategies. Instead, de Silva uses martial arts philosophy—discipline, resilience, respect, and continuous learning—to highlight the mindset shifts leaders need to thrive. His stories are engaging and vivid, showing how timeless principles of training, focus, and humility can shape how we manage teams, make decisions under pressure, and build trust.

🥋What’s Inside

  • Part I: The Dojo of Discipline
  • Part II: The Mindset of a Master
  • Part III: The Inner Fight
  • Part IV: The Path Forward

Each section builds on the idea that leadership is not about control but about character, self-awareness, and the ability to stay centered when everything around you feels unstable.

💡Key Highlights

Lesson 4: Progress Over Perfection – The Coachable Leader’s Advantage

True leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about embracing progress. De Silva admits that when he first started in sales, he lacked experience. But as a martial artist, he was coachable, open to feedback, and resilient in the face of correction.

“Martial arts taught me that the moment you think you’re untouchable, someone finds your opening.”

Lesson 5: Leading Through Contradiction in a World That Does Not Make Sense

Leadership means constant change. Success is temporary, and you won’t win every time. What matters most is staying true to your values without hiding behind them as excuses.

“I’ve always done it this way” should never be a reason to stop learning and growing.

Why You Should Read It

The lessons in this book are grounded in lived experience and paired with actionable takeaways. Most chapters end with reflection questions, making it easy to apply insights directly to your life and leadership journey. The conversational tone and straightforward language make it an accessible, inspiring read for anyone—executives, managers, or individuals simply striving to grow.

De Silva reminds us that leadership is less about appearing strong and more about staying centered when the world shakes. Most importantly, the finest leaders are not always the smartest—they’re the ones trained to lead under pressure.

So step into the dojo and pick up your copy of The Black Belt in Leadership. It’s an ultimate guide to leading with power, presence, and principle.

“You do not need a martial arts background to lead like a black belt. But if you want to move with clarity, resilience, and presence—especially under pressure—you need to train like one.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Aslak de Silva for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Four Tips for Improving User Experience in Your Online Store

These tips for improving user experience can make all the difference. Photo: cottonbro studios/Pexels

User experience is everything when it comes to running an online store, and is something you should prioritize from the very beginning. When it comes to physical stores, everyone knows the importance of having a great-looking interior full of great products and enticing deals, and the same goes for the online environment.  

Of course, that’s easier said than done, and in the beginning, it’s completely normal to stare at your landing page, wondering where to start or how to go about improving your first attempt. 

This article is here to aid you. Here are four top tips for helping you design or redesign your website so that people want to shop there.

1. Start with Navigation

While having an aesthetically appealing site is important, you shouldn’t try to run before you can walk. Creating a site that’s nice and easy to navigate should be your first port of call. 

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your potential customers have a clear path to the items you’re selling. It’s best to organize everything into a few broad but distinct categories with easy-to-use drop-down menus, and you could also use color, texture, and images to segment things in unique ways (and don’t forget to have a prominent search bar).

2. Developing a Quick, Easy, and Secure Checkout Experience

You should always endeavour to optimize your checkout experience where you can, as this element forms the very core of your online store. If it’s too long-winded and complicated for your customers to pay for the goods or services they want, they’re much more likely to abandon their shopping cart. 

For one, you should always offer a guest checkout option, as many people don’t want to go through the hassle of creating an account. More generally, try to minimize the number of steps involved as much as possible and work to reduce those clicks.

3. Provide Personalized Recommendations

Personalized recommendations are a big part of the retail experience, and it’s no different in the online world. 

If you have the option, use a recommendation engine on the back end of your site to offer customers unique recommendations based on what they’ve previously browsed for and bought. You can implement these tools throughout the search page and also at the cart to entice shoppers with last-minute purchases.

4. Improving Loading Speed

And finally, it’s key to remember that we live in a world where people’s attention spans are greatly reduced from what they were even ten years ago, so make sure your website loads nice and fast. 

You can improve speeds in a number of ways, such as by compressing images (but without compromising on quality) and using a website hosting service that’s known for utilizing fast and reliable servers. 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now have a solid idea of how to better design your website to be conducive to long-term customers. Start by getting that all-important smooth navigation down, and systematically work through the list until you have a site to be proud of. Good luck!

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Tips For Running A More Effective & Successful Business

Portrait of a woman wearing a blazer. Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.

Being a business owner takes a lot of hard work and dedication. What you choose to do and focus on daily matters and will make an impact regarding how much you can achieve. 

The good news is that there are always ways to improve and do better. All it will require is an open mind and willingness to head down a different path. It’s worth taking the time to evaluate your management and leadership style and figure out what changes can help you get the results you desire. Here you can review some tips for running a more effective and successful business. 

Use Project Management Tools

There are likely many different assignments and projects that you and your team are tackling regularly. You need a way to keep track of all the necessary tasks and ensure you stay on schedule. Therefore, you should consider using project management tools so you can accomplish all you set out to do. Hire a project manager who can be in charge of the various to-dos and monitor the progress you’re making. These tools can enhance collaboration, increase productivity, and help you mitigate risk so you can find business success. 

Prioritize Enhancing the Customer Experience

Another tip for running a more effective and successful business is to prioritize enhancing the customer experience. It’s especially important if you are in retail and have customers coming in and out of your store. You want to make a good impression and ensure a smooth and seamless shopping journey. For example, if you sell CBD or hemp products then you may want to look into enhancing the customer experience by exploring CBD processing solutions. This way you can offer your customers the opportunity to pay for purchases using a credit card instead of cash. It’s often more convenient and customers may end up spending more when they can put their items on a credit card. 

Analyze Your Target Market

Marketing should be a top priority for you as a business owner. You want to avoid assuming everyone will want to work with you and sending out board messages. Instead, take the time to reflect on and analyze your target market. It’s important that you know who is most likely to make purchases from you and where they are spending their time. Your goal should be to tailor and personalize your marketing messaging based on what you discover. You want to understand their needs and preferences better so you can achieve greater customer satisfaction.

Establish Policies & Procedures

It’s important that everyone at your company is working together and is on the same page. You want to ensure high productivity and avoid duplicating efforts. Run a more effective and successful business by establishing policies and procedures to follow. Gather your teams and brainstorm and discuss what these are and the best ways to tackle various tasks. You’ll soon find that there is better consistency and efficiency and that your employees improve their performance overall. It’s a useful way to streamline operations and reduce ambiguity so that you can run a more effective and organized business. 

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Navigating Career Change: A Review of ‘Career Coaching for Laid-Off Federal Workers’

‘Career Coaching for Laid-Off Federal Employees’ by Robert Moment. Photo: Amazon

“Career Coaching for Laid-Off Federal Employees’ by Robert Moment is a practical and empowering guide for federal workers navigating the challenges of job loss and career transition. With a step-by-step approach, it offers clear strategies to help readers shift from federal employment to the private sector, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking stability and new opportunities.

Moment provides expert advice on resume writing, networking, and interviewing—key areas where federal employees may need guidance when transitioning into corporate environments. The book also emphasizes mindset shifts, helping readers view job loss as an opportunity for growth and reinvention. He reassures them that even though it may seem like it at the moment, a layoff does not define them. His approach is both compassionate and action-oriented, ensuring that job seekers remain motivated and confident throughout their search.

Chapters include:
Chapter 1: Facing The Layoff With Confidence
Chapter 2: Understanding The Corporate Job Market
Chapter 3: Crafting A Winning Resume & Cover Letter
Chapter 4: Mastering LinkedIn For Job Search Success
Chapter 5: Building A Powerful Personal Brand
Chapter 6: Networking To Unlock Hidden Job Opportunities
Chapter 7: Acing The Corporate Job Interview
Chapter 8: Negotiating A Competitive Salary & Benefits
Chapter 9: Developing New Skills For Career Growth
Chapter 10: Thriving In The Corporate Work Environment

Highlights:
Chapter 10 – where he gives key strategies to help readers integrate into corporate culture, including a 90 Day Career Success Plan. It includes actions to take (Understand Company Culture and Expectations) and what they should have accomplished at the end of each milestone.

Chapter 12 Entrepreneurship As An Alternative Career Path – contains information on steps readers can take if they’re considering business ownership, such as the need to evaluate their entrepreneurial potential, the viability of their business ideas, and how to get started. “Entrepreneurship, consulting, or freelancing can not only offer financial stability but also a sense of fulfillment and independence.”

Most importantly, it is focused on federal employees, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. Moment’s insights help readers effectively translate government experience into private-sector language, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Overall, “Career Coaching for Laid-Off Federal Employees” is an invaluable reference for those seeking to rebuild their careers after federal job loss. It offers practical tools, encouragement, and a clear roadmap to success in the private sector and is highly recommended for any transitioning professional.

“While many view federal jobs as the pinnacle of security, the truth is that the most successful corporate professionals excel by continuously adapting.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Book review: ‘Have It All’ by Gregory Nicholas Malouf

In ‘Have It All,’ is a road-tested guide to doing high performance business. Photo: Amazon

Because they offer insights, strategies, and practical advice for individuals looking to enhance their professional lives, business self-help books are a thriving genre. These books aim to empower readers with tools to navigate the complex world of business, improve leadership skills, foster innovation, and achieve success. Authors often draw from their own successes and failures, as well as from case studies and research, to provide readers with valuable lessons and strategies.

Such is the case with Gregory Malouf. In the early 1990s, he built one of Australia’s most successful independent residential estate agencies in Sydney’s prestigious Double Bay. As a successful entrepreneur, Greg could have had anything he wanted, and still his life fell apart. Despite his many successes, he would come to realize that his fortune was built on his drive to escape a traumatic past. Greg took time away from his businesses, accessed the courage to embrace change and find the answers to questions he’d long been asking, and transformed his life. In 2010, he established the Epsilon Healing Academy to share the many lessons he has learned, with the aim of helping others find their own life’s purpose and, in doing so, live their dreams. His book “Have It All! Turn Your Thinking Around and Find Success in 6 Simple Steps” provides time-tested and practical tools that can change your life. (Amazon, 2024)

“Have It All” can help you increase your wealth by improving your productivity, replace old beliefs that can hold you back and replace them with new and productive ones, access strategies to handle life’s challenges, gain work/life balance and improve your relationships at home and work, overcome criticism and doubt and take control of your life, and stay passionate and motivated for consistent results.

It is divided into seven chapters:

Chapter 1: My Story
Chapter 2: Moving From Outside-In To Inside-Out
Chapter 3: Out with the Old Thinking and In with the New
Chapter 4: Does Your Job Fit?
Chapter 5: Internal Stuff vs Internal Dialogue
Chapter 6: Changing Your Internal Dialogue
Chapter 7: The Remedy

The author begins in the Introduction by giving his purpose for writing this book: “…to offer you a proven road-tested guide to doing high performance business.” He uses anecdotes, motivational stories, and exercises to encourage readers to adopt a growth mindset and take proactive steps towards their professional development. By providing practical advice, insights, and inspiration, he empowers readers to realize their full potential and thrive in the competitive world of business. Highlights include Chapter 3 where he gives readers six steps to breaking productivity barriers, such as Take Your Primary Focus off Outcomes! and Value Relationships Much More, and Chapter 4 where he advises readers how to determine if your job is the right fit for them. He uses down to earth language, so the material is easy to understand, follow, and reference at any time. It may be a small book, but the information is invaluable for anyone looking to up their business game. The skills he shares are not based in theory, but in practice because they have worked for him. “Have It All” is recommended for readers who appreciate self-help books that provide advice from an expert in the field of business.

“This book will be a roadmap for changing internalized beliefs, making the path easier for you to observe and provide strategies for doing so based on certain keys and steps you will take away and apply to your own life.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Shape Your Life By Changing Perspective’ by Siddhesh Dongare

‘Shape Your Life By Changing Perspective’ is the new book by Siddhesh Dongare. Photo: Shift Life Perspective.

As distinct individuals, our journeys are unique and can be challenging at times. One way to improve our lives is to dare to change our perspective on what we expect out of life. Today’s new book release is a self help guide for personal and professional development by Siddhesh Dongare titled “Shape Your Life By Changing Perspective.” His goal is to provide a resource that can inspire, motivate, and guide individuals facing various life challenges. Through the written word, he hopes to share the valuable lessons and perspectives that have resonated with those in his immediate circle, extending the positive impact to a wider audience. So if you are looking for expert advice on making your life’s journey a little easier, consider this guide. It is available exclusively on Amazon India.

Siddhesh Dongare is a career coach and mentor who believes in the power of changing your perspective to transform your life. He wants to encourage readers to play an active role in their personal growth journey. As a storyteller and an advocate for this type of mindset, his vision is to empower individuals to embrace change, cultivate empathy, and navigate the complexities of life through the lens of a changing perspective. Students and individuals who perceive him as a mentor have shared how his insights have positively influenced and motivated them. He recognizes that his strength lies in offering a different point of view when confronted with problems or challenges. By documenting his experiences and insights, he hopes to reach a broader audience beyond his current network. In his new book “Shape Your Life By Changing Perspective,” discover the power within you and begin a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment. (Siddhesh Dongare, 2023)

“Shape Your Life By Changing Perspective”– In a world filled with diverse and unique experiences, it is easy to feel lost, trapped, or overwhelmed by the challenges life throws your way. Life can feel like a puzzle, and changing your viewpoint might be the key to finding the missing piece. Dare to start this empowering exploration now. Do not just let life happen to you—take charge, shape your future, and discover amazing opportunities when you choose to see the world in a new way. The author tells his own story about how having different perspectives can make a big difference.

Have you ever felt stuck, facing tough challenges, and wanting a better, more fulfilling life? If yes, this book is for you. Life can be tricky, with ups and downs that leave us searching for something more. This book is for anyone open to new ideas, ready to  think differently, and wanting practical help for a happier life. Whether you are young or older, going through a tough time, or just wanting positive changes, this book is a guide.

It is rooted in psychology, mindset changes, and tools to make good things happen. It is about seeing the world in a new way to transform your life. The way we perceive things shapes our lives, and in this book, you’ll find suggestions and instructions for shifting your viewpoint. Whether you are dealing with personal or work issues or just wanting a better life, this book will give you valuable insights and practical strategies to help you reshape your life with the power of perspective. Each chapter serves as a step towards a more fulfilling life. Are you ready for a journey of self-discovery and positive change? Let this book be your guide to reshaping your life with a new or fresh perspective.

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New book release: ‘The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career’ by Olivia von Holt

‘The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career’ is the new book by Olivia von Holt. Photo: Olivia von Holt, used with permission.

Whether you are currently job hunting or know someone who is, it is always a good idea to be as informed as possible. Books that offer valuable insights into career, professional, and personal development are an important part of this journey, especially for young professionals. One such book is today’s new book release by Olivia von Holt where the author invites you to navigate your career path with confidence. Embrace risk-taking, strategic networking, and impactful personal growth with this practical new book perfect for new college graduates. “The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career” is available now on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and hardcover edition and in mid-December as an audiobook.

Olivia von Holt is an accomplished businesswoman and entrepreneur focusing on personal development and mentorship of young professionals. Her distinctive fusion of European and American cultural perspectives has profoundly impacted Olivia’s professional trajectory. She has extensive experience in various industries in multiple business sectors. In addition to being recognized on the prestigious “30 under 30” list, Olivia received the Woman-Owned Business Award. Her extraordinary leadership and entrepreneurial character are reflected in these honors.

While not her initial intention, Olivia accidentally entered the realm of authorship. As a mentee inspired her to document her knowledge, she started to think, “Who is mentoring whom now?” Her writing focuses on inspiration to an emerging group of professionals to share advice she wishes she had gotten earlier in her career. Olivia’s journey is a testament to the power of experience, mentorship, and the courage to embrace new paths. Her new book “The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career” is an essential guide for young professionals embarking on their career paths. It serves as both a source of inspiration and a practical blueprint for building a meaningful and successful career in today’s fast-paced economy. More on the author: Instagram (Olivia von Holt, 2023)

“The Reward of Risk: Embracing Confidence In Your Career” – This book blends experienced insights with youthful energy, offering strategies for creating a standout personal brand, effective networking, and forging strong professional relationships.

Highlighting the importance of volunteer work, the book shows how it can enhance personal and professional growth, improve resumes, and develop leadership skills. It presents real-life stories where risk-taking and hard work lead to significant career achievements, providing practical advice on negotiation, overcoming setbacks, and initiating new ventures.

The guide also delves into social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of making a social impact while achieving business goals. It stresses the role of skills development, networking, mentorship, and how these elements contribute to job satisfaction and career advancement.

Internships, volunteering, and community engagement are portrayed as transformative experiences that shape professional identities and prepare individuals for global career challenges. The book also covers fundraising and social impact initiatives, teaching lessons in creativity and strategic thinking.

Overall, “The Reward of Risk” is more than just a book; it is a mentor and motivator, encouraging readers to embrace confidence, view challenges as opportunities, and see risks as potential rewards. It is a comprehensive companion for anyone ready to take their place in the professional world.

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Book review: ‘The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence’ by Robert L. Dilenschneider

‘The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence’ is the new book by Robert L. Dilenschneider. Photo: Amazon

Robert L. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an MA in journalism from Ohio State University, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. He formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. The Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. He is the author of “The Public Relations Handbook,” “The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life,” “50 Plus!: Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life,” and numerous other books on career and professional development. In his new book “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence: Everything You Need to Know,” he explains how technology and globalization have revolutionized the ways to both build and keep success—and tells readers that to accomplish your goals, you must not only gain power, but also apply it with proper wisdom. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” arms you with intellectual, technical, and moral weapons—tools needed to get and stay ahead in the increasingly competitive and ever-evolving business world. Acquiring both power and influence is crucial to advancing not only your personal interests, but also a more prosperous society at large. Drawing from current-day lessons and the wisdom of hundreds of drivers of change in all fields of business, this is the author’s latest guide to harnessing the universal principles for success. It provides anecdotes and insights on a wide range of keys to success, including how to seize opportunity amid crisis, manage your network, communicate effectively, and take full advantage of social media to bolster your image. The book is divided into 15 chapters, including Networking: You Have to Do It, Protect Yourself and Your Reputation, and The Inevitable Crisis: Know How To Handle It and Benefit. It begins in the first chapter by asking readers to get to know themselves because to be an effective leader, you have to understand yourself and your needs first because “Self awareness….is one of the pillars of emotional intelligence (along with empathy, self-management, and social skills) and must come first.” The first part centers around building your power and influence while the second part shows you how to keep that hard earned influence during inevitable times of crisis. At the end, there are notes listed by chapter and an index that makes it easy to search by topic.

Change is the overall theme in “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence.” The first two sentences in the Introduction immediately draw you in: “You have a choice. Keep doing what you did yesterday or adapt to a world that is changing everyday.” Indeed, the business world is constantly changing and we must adapt to keep up, especially in a post-COVID world. Robert Dilenschneider has the experience, knowledge, and authority to help readers acquire and amplify their power; from graduate students to corporate professionals. Despite the topic of business, the language is easy to understand and follow because it contains practical advice for career and personal life. He shares inspirational stories to highlight the point he is making because stories make more of an impact than facts and figures ever could. His books are helpful and relevant because he adjusts his message to reflect the changing times and everyone can benefit from his advice, and this one is no exception. Highlights include Chapter 2: Networking that stresses the importance of networking not only in your select filed of work, but also reaching out to contacts outside of your circle; and Chapter 7: The Right Way to Make Your Mistakes that teaches the right way to approach making mistakes: “With humility and perseverance, we move forward and improve” – lesson learned: the biggest mistake is failure to LEARN from our mistakes. “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” is an extremely useful guide that helps readers navigate the ever changing landscape of business as well as their professional and private lives. It is a must read for readers interested in business, economic, and ethics for personal and professional development.

“If there are absolutely no mistakes in a company, then no one is taking a risk, and innovation will atrophy.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.