jolinsdell's reviews
400 reviews

Andy Andrews manages to combine so many different elements in his books that he makes them appealing to nearly everyone's tastes. The Final Summit is no exception and kept me turning the pages until the very end.

David Ponder, who was first encountered in The Traveler's Gift is back (note is it not necessary top have read this book to enjoy The Final Summit as the second book stands on it's own). With the help of Winston Churchill and other historical greats, David must answer a question in order to save humanity.

Thought provoking and entertaining I'm sure others will find this book as hard to put down as I did.

'What to Charge' should be on the bookshelf of every self employed person. In this book Laurie Lewis uses her many years of experience to communicate simple and effective ways to work out pricing strategies to take careers forward and reach monetary goals.

Through out the book she uses case studies and examples to show her points in action and make both how to do them and why clear to the reader.

The book covers everything from preparation and goal setting to negotiations to end of year analysis and every step in between.

I will definitely be referring back to this book many times over and highly recommend it to freelancers and consultants in all fields. A must-have book for those who take their career seriously.

Unsinkable takes readers on a journey around the world as it follows Abby Sunderland from her family holidays on her family boat as a young child to her incredible battle on the high seas.

It's amazing to think that the adventures in this book are actually a true story. Abby is inspiring both for her bravery and her abilities. It just goes to show what can be achieved when you have the courage to follow your dreams.

I learn't a lot about life at sea and sailing from this book but also about making a stand for what I believe in and having the courage to follow it through.

A great book for all ages, especially teenagers. Inpsiring and motivating.

This is the second book I've read by Freya North and I'm fast becoming a fan. Not only was this book a great read it has also inspired an interest in cycling. I've already made plans to follow the next Tour de France!

Freya North has a talent for creating characters that you feel you can connect with. You feel the ups and downs they face and become a bit like a best friend cheering them on from the sidelines.

I'll definitely be adding more Freya North books to my to-read list.

Although Just in case you ever wonder is available in various formats I'm reviewing the ePub version. This is a nice little picture book that tells of the love of a parent for their child. It includes illustrations by Tony Goffe.

Children need to feel protected, they need to know you love them and that you will always be there for them. That's what this book is all about. It shows them that they are special and unique and that as they grow and change you will always be there for them.

It takes you from the parents thoughts on seeing the baby for the first time through to when the child has grown up.

A heart warming book ideal for bonding with your child. I personally recommend it for smaller children though (max 5 years old).

Title: A Century Turns
Author: William J. Bennett
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-5955-5169-6

Reviewed by Jo Linsdell.

A Century Turns takes a look at events involving America between 1988 and 2008. It starts with the last year of the Presidency of Ronald Wilson Reagan and goes on to cover both domestic and international issues faced by America over the following twenty years.
Due to William Bennett’s close friendship with George H.W. Bush the book tends to be very pro-Bush. He highlights personal memories of the events (many of which he was directly involved in) through out the book with insights and personal anecdotes. I found that these personal touches make the book lighter reading than many other history books on the market.
Before I carry on, I must state that I’m not American. I am in fact British born and live in Italy. I know little about American politics and what I have followed over the years was mainly the scandals which were shown on gossip programmes and magazines. Much of the content of this book was unknown to me prior to reading this book and it was interesting to see an American take on the events I was aware of over the years.
The book is broken down into easy to manage sections and contains a complete notes section of all reference materials used. I think it would make an excellent reference books for schools and those studying American history. It’s also an interesting and some what enlightening read for us non-Americans.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sweeter than Birdsong is the second book from the Sadller's Legacy series (a work of fiction inspired by a real family in American history- the Hanby family, who are to this day the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, Ohio.

"Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles...but real freedom is sweeter."

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future.

"Sweeter than Birdsong" is a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events.

I hadn't read the first book in the series but it didn't matter and I was able to read Sweeter than Birdsong as a stand alone book. The characters drew me in and the careful historical descriptions throughout transported me back in time to 1855. If you like historical romance you'll enjoy this book.

This non-fiction book discusses beauty inside and out. This book gives simple, honest advice to young girls and teaches them how to accept and love themselves just the way they are.

Scripture quotations are frequently used throughout the book to re-enforce the messages illustrated by the author and the fun magazine style quizzes are prefect for getting the point across.

Although the idea behind this book is great and I liked the positive message it carried I'm not sure the layout would be appealing to younger girls. The girly illustrations dotted throughout help but otherwise I can't see it holding the attention of it's target age group which is a shame as the contents is good.

A different book to what I was expecting but one that carries a good, positive message for young girls.

Rome: McCabe and Chip, two American exchange students, are about to become embroiled with a violent street gang, a beautiful Italian girl and a flawed kidnapping plan.

Detroit: Sharon Vanelli's affair with Joey Palermo, a Mafia enforcer, is about to be discovered by her husband, Ray, a secret service agent.

All He Saw Was the Girl takes place as these two narratives converge in the backstreets of Italy's oldest city.

Peter Leonard throws you straight into the action in this book and keeps the story fast passed until the end. He describes the settings well and you soon find yourself taken along with the characters.

As an English person living in Rome I could really identify with the speech patterns of the Italian characters and his detailed descriptions of the setting.

All He Saw Was The Girl is a quick but interesting read. I'm definitely now curious about reading the other work by this author.