Author: Allison Bottkewww.AllisonBottke.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos We know it\’s not going to be easy, this business of parenting; it is a test of our will, our patience, our resolve—but with it comes the ultimate expressions of love. Parenting is an awesome, complex and daunting, task. Things go wrong, mistakes are made, learning occurs—all with the hope that there will be growth and a deeper understanding as our relationships with our children evolve. But sometimes circumstances do not unfold this way, and a child may go astray; so far that they are pitifully hard to reach. If... Read More

Author: Sandra McLeod Humphreywww.stopbullyingnow.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos Author Sandra McLeod Humphrey has written Hot Issues, Cool Choices for girls and boys ages ten and up. This compilation of fictional scenarios gives the young student an opportunity to reflect on circumstances that may arise with their peers, thereby giving them a chance to arrive at possible solutions before they find themselves face-to face with those circumstances. The concept is a good one; teachers and parents realize that most of the decision making that children in this age group are engaged in is happening... Read More

Author: Heidi Roizenwww.skinnysongs.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos Skinny Songs: Tune in. Tone up. Trim down. Freshen-up your workout, rev-up your energy and prepare to have some fun! If you\’re anything like me you have an extensive arsenal (that is twenty or thirty CDs deep) to assist with losing extra pounds, keeping yourself motivated and making progress towards the healthiest you possible; this is a nice addition to your reserve of “weapons.” Anything that makes the whole process more enjoyable, lighter—easier—is a must-have. Selections like Skinny Jeans and Use it to... Read More

Author: P C McCulloughwww.pcmccullough.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos P C McCullough, author of Perfect, gives us the tale of middle-aged Miranda who is searching for meaning in her life. Miranda sets to work rearranging and discarding the pieces of her life that aren’t working but in the process becomes disillusioned and confused. Fortunately for Miranda her predicament is nothing that a good therapist and supportive friends won’t cure and she draws from both of them the strength to keep searching for happiness. The undertaking of new endeavors and projects is seldom easy; Miranda’s... Read More

Author: Pat Burnswww.grandparentsrock.com Reviewed By: Dotsie Bregel Boomers are embracing grandparenting with open arms. According to Pat Burns, grandparenting is all about pure love so it’s no surprise that baby boomers are knocking themselves out by sharing the love with our youngest generation. Grandparents Rock includes a compilation of stories written by grands across the country. Each story allows you a glimpse into the lives of fun activities and travel that are keeping relationships alive and flourishing. The writers address topics such as shortening the distance with out of town grandchildren.... Read More

Author: Janet Horn, MD and Robin H. Miller, MDwww.smartwomanshealth.com Reviewed By: Dotsie Bregel Baby boomer women are interested in managing their health. The generation of women born between 1946 and 1964 are healthier and better educated than prior generations of women. They want to be involved with their health care management. This guide allows them to speak intelligently about their health concerns. Written in an up front, concise manner, for the everyday women to understand, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife & Beyond: A No-Nonsense Approach to Staying Healthy After 50 offers... Read More

Author: Diane MacEachernwww.biggreenpurse.com/ Reviewed By: Dotsie Bregel Diane MacEachern shares a wealth of knowledge about her area of expertise – going green. She believes women have the purchasing power to help solve our environmental issues. Diane offers concrete recommendations for making the best buying decisions that benefit our environment. Whether you are new to the topic, or have been doing your part for the sake of Mother Earth for years, this remarkably comprehensive book is for you. It can be used as a resource to reference on occasion, or it can be read cover to cover. It... Read More

Author: Barbara E. Friesner www.AgeWiseLiving.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos Barbara Friesner is a Generational Coach, an adjunct professor at Cornell University, and the primary caregiver for both her grandmother who was afflicted with dementia and her mother who now struggles through the same disease. Friesner models compassion, practicality and understanding for those trying to handle the many different pieces of caring for a loved one with dementia. Answering questions like: “How do I know that my loved one has dementia; what does it look like and how will it progress?” or “How do... Read More

Author: Edited by Maud Lavinwww.amazon.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos When I opened the book and read the line that was chosen to lead into the collection, I knew I would love its offerings. Taken from one of Joyce Carol Oates many incredible writings, it is the bottom line of what mid-life feels like: “You leave home one afternoon, you never return as yourself.” Mid-lifers, both men and women, share something very intimate in this collection. The featured pieces will not glow back at the reader through tales of success against all odds, reinvention and re-creation, a discovered fountain... Read More

Author: Vonda Skeltonwww.VondaSkelton.com Reviewed By: Melinda Cianos Vonda Skelton, author of Seeing Through the Lies, wants to reacquaint us with the truth. Skelton’s composition of witty and wise chapters focuses on everything from marriage to over-committing, and uncovers the falsehoods that keep us in stagnant places. Living an authentic life is effortless once we align ourselves with God’s will. Seeing Through the Lies offers a down-to-earth, scripturally-based approach to securing our freedom; freedom from the doing, doing, doing that’s brought on by unrealistic and damaging societal... Read More