Bounce Back Book Review

Bounce Back - When Your Heart is Empty and Your Dreams are Lost
The title grabbed me and I couldn't wait to see what Julie Clinton had to say in this book.  I think we all have had dreams that have been lost at some point or another and we wonder what if...  I certainly had plans for my own life and battling Crohn's Disease or fighting for my life after having the twins were not a part of that plan.  Even still today I think about those dreams that have gone by the wayside when things didn't go according to my own plan. 

In Bounce Back, Clinton tells women about her 3 B's.  She says we need to Breathe, Believe, and Bounce Back.  The rest of the chapters in the book build on those 3 B's and give specific examples of women she has encountered and their life stories and how these women have dealt with the loss and disappointments in their lives.  Some have dealt in constructive ways and others have not, but are learning how. 

I thought this book was thoughtful and useful for anyone who has felt the sting of disappointment that life didn't turn out the way they hoped, or someone who is perhaps grieving a loss of some sort.  Clinton's practical steps, using the 3 B's seems overly simplistic, but I am willing to give it a try.  Bottom line: Read the book, ladies.  I think you'll be blessed. 

I received a copy of this book free from Worthy Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I am not obligated to give it a positive rating, but I do recommend it.

Prime of Life - A Book Review



In his debut novel Prime of Life, P.D. Bekendam introduces us to Ben, a surgeon turned janitor at Heritage Gardens Retirement Home.  Ben is running from his past and came to Heritage Gardens for a simpler, less stressful life.  He has a quirky preference for all prime numbers and no left turns.  Ben has developed close relationships with the residents of Heritage Gardens and they help him just as much as he helps them.  When a part of Ben's past is revealed to the residents, he realizes that he can't really escape those feelings of bondage and unforgiveness. 

P.D. Bekendam is an eye surgeon.  Proceeds from Bekendam's writing go to help fund his activities in developing countries as he works to bring cataract surgery to the needlessly blind. 

I enjoyed reading this book. The character development was good and I enjoyed getting know each of the characters at Heritage Gardens and quirky Ben.  There were parts of the book where I laughed out loud and other parts that made me really empathize with Ben.  I expected for there to be a more spiritual component to the book in the beginning of the story and it seemed lacking.  However, as I read on, I discovered that the spiritual struggles that Ben faces are threaded throughout the story.  I loved the ending of this book.  It offered a nice surprise and kept me guessing what would happen right up to the end.  I recommend Prime of Life as a great leisurely read. 

Prime of Life was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I am not obligated to give this book a positive review.